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Begleyj     John, 
The   diocese   of   Limerick, 
ancient   and   medieval 


THE    DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK 

ANCIENT  AND  MEDIEVAL 


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PAGE    OF    THH:   black    BOOK  OF    LIMERICK. 


The  Diocese  of  LimeriGk 
Ancient  and  Medieval 

BY  * 

REV.    JOHN    BEGLEY,    G.C. 

ST.  MUNCHIN'S 


WITH    A    PREFACE 

BY 

MOST    REV.    E.   T.    O'DWYER 

Bishop  of  Limerick 


Xio-tum  jtdijxe  T3e  -]  on6]\A  x\&  liei|AeAnn. 


BROWNE    &    NOLAN,    Limited 
24  &  25,  NASSAU  STREET,  DUBLIN 

BELFAST  CORK 

4,  Berry  Street  14,    Winthrop    Street 


9m  m?°k'?^P"''''"'^  Library 
900  Webster  street  ^ 
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Fort  Wayne,  (r^46g0i.227o 


TO 

My  Lord  Bishop 
THE   MOST   REV.   E.  T.   O'DWYER,  D  D. 

This  Volume 
Is  Respectfully  Inscribed 


A    PREFACE 

BY 

THE    MOST    REV.  DR.  O'DWYER, 

Bishop  of  Limerick. 

This  History  of  the  Diocese  of  Limerick  is  a  welcome 
addition  to  the  many  evidences  which  we  have  of  the 
awakening  of  a  new  hfe  in  Ireland.  The  Gaelic  revival 
is  at  work,  and  its  influence  is  felt  in  the  quickening  of 
the  intellect  of  the  people,  and  its  direction  towards  things 
that  are  generally  supposed  to  be  academic,  and  specu- 
lative, but  are,  in  truth,  the  principles  and  sources  of 
National  life. 

The  study  of  our  language  and  our  history  is  the 
starting  point  of  the  new  progressive  movement  amongst 
our  people,  and  if  it  is  maintained  will  carry  them  far 
on  the  road  of  political  and  material  regeneration. 

For  many  years  the  country  has  been  engaged  in 
intense  political  agitation,  which  has  resulted  in  some- 
what contradictory  consequences. 

On  the  one  hand  there  have  been  very  evident  and 
important  gams.  Religious  equality  has  been  achieved 
in  law,  if  not  yet  in  administration  ;  freedom  of  election 
has  been  secured  through  the  ballot ;  the  drastic  reform  of 
the  Land  Laws  has  worked  a  revolution  in  the  condition 
of  the  agricultural  population  ;  the  Labourers'  Dwellings 
Acts,  besides  removing  the  squalid  hovels  that  disfigured 


Vili  DR.   O  DWYER  S   PREFACE. 

the  face  of  the  country,  have  given  the  working-men 
something  of  a  home  ;  and  the  whole  local  government 
of  the  country  has  passed  under  popular  control. 

These  are  great  and  wonderful  changes.  If  O'Connell, 
or  even  Isaac  Butt,  were  to  come  back  now  he  would 
hardly  recognise  the  country  as  that  of  the  down- trodden, 
unlettered  half-slaves  for  whose  freedom  he  had  striven. 

Yet  how  strange  it  is  to  observe  simultaneously  with 
these  profound  and  far-reaching  reforms,  not  a  corres- 
ponding advance  in  intellectual  activity,  and  material 
prosperity,  but  a  persistent  decay  that  threatens  us 
almost  with  extinction  as  a  people.  The  incessant 
stream  of  emigration,  deplorable  as  it  is  in  itself  and 
in  its  material  results,  is  still  more  so  as  a  symptom  of 
the  unhealthy  condition  of  the  country.  The  emigrants 
are  being  squeezed  out  by  poverty,  and  by  a  want  of 
that  true  patriotism  which  a  living  interest  in  their  own 
country,  and  its  affairs  begets  in  freemen.  With  all  our 
political  reforms  it  may  well  be  questioned  whether  we 
are  as  a  nation  not  poorer  than  at  any  period  since  the 
great  famine. 

And  until,  within  the  last  few  years,  the  Irish  revival 
set  in,  we  seemed  to  decline  on  a  similar  road  of  intel- 
lectual decay.  Political  excitement  and  Parliamentary 
agitation  so  engrossed  the  mind  of  the  country  in  an 
inevitable  struggle  for  existence,  that  people  forgot  in 
the  necessities  of  the  hour  the  deeper  and  indispensable 
sources  of  national  life. 

The  old  thoughts  and  the  old  learning — on  which 
the  soul  of  every  living  nation  sustains  itself — were  being 


DR.   O'DWYER'S    preface.  IX 

crushed  out  by  the  hard  material  side  of  things.  The 
Irish  language  came  almost  to  its  last  gasp  ;  the  tradition 
of  the  great  Irish  scholars,  the  O'Clerys,  Mac  Firbis, 
Colgan,  Keating,  was  broken,  and  we  were  almost  as 
cut  off  from  the  past  as  if  we  were  some  new  territory 
in  America,  instead  of  having  behind  us  a  history  as  rich, 
as  inspiring,  as  noble,  as  any  nation  in  the  world. 

Between  this  intellectual  life  of  Ireland,  and  her 
political  and  material  life,  the  connection  is  closer  and 
more  real  than  many  people  think.  There  was  one  short 
lucid  interval  in  modern  times,  during  the  few  years 
that  we  had  a  National  and  Catholic  University.  And 
there  is  nothing  more  interesting  or  more  touching  in 
connection  with  Newman's  attempt  to  estabhsh  that 
University  in  Dubhn,  than  the  quick  and  almost  spon- 
taneous growth  of  Irish  studies  as  soon  as  they  found 
themselves  in  congenial  conditions.  The  seed  was  in  the 
ground.  It  is  always  there,  ready  under  the  warmth 
of  Irish  Ireland  to  spring  into  bloom.  There  are  any 
day  plenty  of  O'Currys  and  O' Donovans  to  illustrate 
the  history  of  our  country,  and  develop  the  wealth  of 
her  language,  if  they  only  got  a  chance. 

Now  the  Irish  revival  is  in  so  far  doing  the  work 
of  an  Irish  University  and  creating  conditions  which 
may  counteract  the  pernicious  influence  of  Trinity 
College,  the  National  system,  and  all  the  other  agencies 
estabhshed  by  England  to  kill  the  soul  of  this  poor 
country,  that  she  is  bringing  materially  to  the  verge  of 
extinction. 

And  this  history  of  our  Diocese  of  Limerick  is  the 
happy  contribution  of  one  of  her  priests  towards  this 


X  DR.   O'DWYER'S   preface. 

revival  of  Irish  studies.  Necessarily  it  deals  with  local 
matters,  but  it  shows  them  in  their  wider  and  national 
import,  and  through  them  throws  light  on  the  general 
condition  of  the  Church  in  Ireland  throughout  the 
period  with  which  it  deals. 

In  his  Life  of  St.  Patrick,  Professor  Bury  has  shown 
us  the  importance  of  this  setting  of  local  history  in  its 
place  in  the  history  of  the  world,  and  simply  by  doing 
so  has  once  and  for  ever  put  an  end  to  the  absurd  but 
irritating  misrepresentations  of  the  true  character  of 
the  mission  of  our  National  Apostle,  which  some  people 
so  fondly  cherished.  This  history  of  the  Diocese  of 
Limerick  wiU  probably  render  similar,  if  less  striking, 
service  for  the  general  history  of  the  Church  in  Ireland, 
on  which  in  its  most  intimate  and  less  known  conditions 
it  will  throw  much  light. 

With  this  wider  history  it  is  connected  from  the 
beginning  by  our  having  had  the  great  privilege  of 
receiving  the  faith  through  St.  Patrick  himself.  This 
part  of  the  work  is  admirably  and  most  accurately  done. 
It  was  published  some  years  ago  as  a  separate  study 
by  the  author  in  an  article  in  the  Irish  Ecclesiastical 
Record,  and  it  is  no  small  commendation  of  the  fullness 
and  the  accuracy  of  his  information  that  the  Archbishop 
of  Tuam,  in  the  great  Life  of  St.  Patrick  with  which  he 
recently  enriched  our  literature,  has  accepted  it  without 
correction,  and  embodied  it  practically  in  his  own  work. 

In  itself,  this  itinerary  of  St.  Patrick  through  our 
Diocese  is  most  interesting,  and  even  fascinating  for  those 
who  are  familiar  with  the  old  ruins  of  churches,  and 
cemeteries,   and  raths,  bv  which   the  author  traces  the 


DR.   ODWYERS    PREFACE.  xl 

progress  of  the  Apostle  through  the  county,  and  with 
a  wealth  of  local  knowledge  illustrates  the  ancient  lives 
of  the  saints. 

In  this  respect  we  find  a  good  deal  of  the  spirit  in 
which  the  Archbishop  of  Tuam,  in  the  most  wonderful 
and  often  most  ingenious  ways,  delights  us  by  following 
up  and  completing  the  narrative  of  the  Tripartite,  and 
the  other  ancient  lives,  by  the  topographical  evidences 
of  St.  Patrick's  labours. 

Readers  of  this  book  will  be  struck,  too,  by  the 
astonishing  vividness  and  distinctness  by  which  local 
tradition  has  handed  down  the  substantially  accurate 
history  of  these  ancient  times.  There  are  numbers  of 
unlettered  persons  in  this  city  and  county  who  would 
recount  with  considerable  accuracy  the  whole  course  of 
St.  Patrick's  mission  in  Limerick,  from  Knockea  to 
Singland,  thence  to  Foynes  and  Knockpatrick,  and 
across  the  county  to  Ardpatrick.  Not  only  has  the 
religious  history  of  Ireland  stamped  itself  indelibly  on 
the  physical  features — hill,  and  rath,  and  well — but  it 
seems  to  have  entered  into  the  mind  of  the  people,  and 
to  live  there  from  generation  to  generation. 

Those  who  would  wish  to  find  a  most  striking  illustration 
of  this,  will  read  it  in  the  history  which  the  author  gives 
of  St.  Ita,  who  lives  as  truly  to  this  day,  in  the  parish 
of  Killeedy,  where,  year  by  year,  the  people  keep  her 
feast  at  the  foot  of  the  Luachra  Mountains,  as  if  she  still 
presided  over  her  Sisters  in  a  convent. 

In  some  respects  the  narrative  grows  in  interest  as 
the  author  passes  from  the  old  monastic  organization 
of  the  early  times,  to  the  period  when  not  only  civil 


xii  DR.  o'dwyer's  preface. 

society,  but  the  whole  rehgious  hfe  of  the  country  felt 
the  influence  of  the  Danes,  and  then  the  Normans,  whom, 
by  a  strange  assimilating  power,  after  they  had  settled 
down  as  conquerors,  it  drew  into  unity  with  its  own 
children.  Of  this  a  very  interesting  illustration  is  the 
author's  account  of  the  origin  of  the  present  diocesan 
organization  under  the  Danes,  who,  he  thinks  with  much 
probability,  adopted  St.  Munchin  of  Bruree,  the  patron 
of  their  allies,  the  old  Irish  race  of  the  O' Donovans,  as 
the  patron  of  the  city. 

The  coming  of  the  Normans  is  very  well  described, 
not  so  much  in  the  flowing  style  that  we  associate  with 
history,  as  in  the  concise,  matter-of-fact  form  of  an 
annalist,  which  is  not  without  its  own  force  and  eloquence. 
About  this  period  the  Black  Book  of  Limerick,  which 
up  to  this  has  not  been  printed,  is  a  veritable  mine  of 
information.  One  of  the  first  uses  which  the  author 
makes  of  it  is  to  give  the  list  of  churches  which,  according 
to  a  survey  made  in  the  thirteenth  century,  existed  in 
the  Diocese,  and  with  great  minuteness,  and  a  close  study 
of  localities,  and  a  careful  piecing  together  of  scraps  of 
information  from  various  sources,  the  author  has  suc- 
ceeded in  identifying  almost  every  one  of  them.  This 
is  good  and  most  useful  work.  There  is  scarcely  a  parish 
of  the  Diocese  which  does  not  possess  one  of  the  ruins  of 
these  ancient  churches,  and  their  clergy  and  people  will 
feel  very  grateful  for  the  light  which  this  work  sheds 
upon  their  origin  and  history. 

But  still  more  interesting  and  important  for  historical 
purposes  is  the  knowledge  of  the  ordinary  working  of 
a  diocese  in  Ireland  at  this  early  period,  which  is  supplied 


DR.  o'dwyer's  preface.  xiii 

by  the  Black  Book.  It  is  like  a  series  of  contemporary 
pictures.  We  get  the  whole  Ufe — religious,  and  civil, 
and  political — of  the  people  set  before  us,  unconsciously, 
by  the  original  author,  who  did  not  know  what  a  service 
he  was  rendering  to  future  ages.  We  see  the  great 
religious  spirit  of  the  whole  people  showing  through  all 
the  perpetual  feuds  and  turmoil  of  an  age  of  violence — 
great  outbreaks  of  lawlessness  on  the  part  of  individuals, 
coupled  with  great  faith,  and  followed  by  notable  penance  ; 
the  close  and  living  authority  which  Rome  all  through 
exercised  in  the  Church,  and  to  which  bishop  and  chief 
were  ever  amenable  ;  the  striking  devotion  of  the  people 
to  the  Mother  of  God,  under  whose  intercession  our 
Cathedral  was  dedicated  on  the  Feast  of  her  Assumption  ; 
in  fact,  so  complete  and  perfect  an  identity  between  our 
Catholic  life  and  theirs,  that  one  can  hardly  imagine 
that  it  has  undergone  so  few  and  unimportant  changes 
in  form,  during  all  the  ages  that  have  since  elapsed. 

W^hat  the  author  has  done  for  this  period  of  our 
history,  which  hitherto  was  little  explored,  we  trust  that 
he  will  be  able  to  complete  in  another  volume  on  the 
history  of  our  Diocese  since  the  changes  in  religion  were 
begun  by  Henry  VIII  and  Elizabeth.  The  Rolls  Series 
will  serve  him  in  good  stead,  and  give  him  command  of 
much  information  which  was  wanting  to  earlier  writers. 

•i«  Edward  Thomas, 

Bishop  of  Limerick. 


AUTHOR'S     PREFACE. 

This  volume  contains  the  civil  and  ecclesiastical  history 
of  the  Diocese  of  Limerick  from  remote  times  to  the 
Reformation.  This  is  a  period  which  hitherto  has  been 
little  known,  as  most  of  the  primary  sources  relating 
to  it  were  inaccessible  to  previous  writers.  Since  the 
publications  of  O' Curry,  O' Donovan,  and  recent  writers 
of  the  same  school,  together  with  the  State  Paper  Series, 
a  vast  amount  of  new  and  valuable  information  has  been 
brought  to  light  and  extensively  used  in  the  composition 
of  this  work.  Besides  printed  books  many  MS.  docu- 
ments preserved  in  the  Public  Record  Office,  Dublin, 
in  public  libraries,  and  in  private  collections,  have 
baen  utilised,  and  are  referred  to  in  the  proper  places. 

When  the  narrative  of  events  occasionally  differs, 
as  it  does,  from  our  local  historians,  it  is  because  sources 
of  information  have  been  drawn  upon  which  were  "m- 
known  or  inaccessible  to  them. 

It  is  unnecessary  to  point  out  in  detail  differences 
of  this  kind,  as  the  original  authorities  for  such  a 
divergence  of  opinion  are  duly  noted.  Contemporary 
authorities,  when  possible,  are  quoted  for  contemporary 
events,  as  it  was  found  in  collecting  materials  for  this 


XVI  AUTHOR  S   PREFACE. 

work  that  the  popular  writer  very  often  gave  a  meaning 
to  records  that  the  original  did  not  warrant. 

The  aim  of  this  volume  is  to  supply  accurate  in- 
formation about  every  locality  in  the  Diocese  ;  and  there 
is  scarcely  a  spot  that  has  not  its  history,  in  many 
instances,  dating  back  to  an  early  age. 

The  full  and  complete  treatment  of  the  period  covered 
by  this  book  may  be  judged  from  the  size  of  the  work, 
extending  over  400  demy  octavo  pages,  while  the  most 
comprehensive  of  our  local  histories  has  considerably 
less  than  100  on  the  same  subject. 

While  being  minute  in  recording  events,  an  attempt 
has  been  made  to  preserve  unity — which  gives  a  charm 
to  liistory — in  arranging  into  a  consecutive  narrative 
the  scattered  and  often  incohesive  materials  of  which 
the  book  is  composed. 

The  bewildering  variety  in  the  spelling  of  proper 
names  has  been  partially  retained  for  obvious  reasons, 
but  for  the  convenience  of  the  reader  the  modern  names 
are  put  in  brackets  wherever  it  was  thought  necessary. 

I  have  not  given  any  hteral  extracts  from  the  Black 
Book  of  Limerick,  as  the  Rev.  James  MacCaffrey,  S.T.L., 
Professor  of  Ecclesiastical  History,  Maynooth  College, 
is  about  publishing  that  venerable  MS,  I  have  often 
quoted  in  the  course  of  the  work  another  MS.  called 
Peyton'' s  Survey,  the  full  title  of  which  is  :  "  The  book 
of  Survey  of  the  Attainted  and  Escheated  landes  in  the 
Countye  of  Lymerick  in  the  Pro\-ince  of  Munster,  within 
the  Realme  of  Ireland,  made  anno  1586  in  the  XXVII 
year   of     the    Reign    of     our   Soveraigne   Ladye    Queen 


AUTHOR  S   PREFACE.  XVH 

Elizabeth,  w'''  came  into  her  Ma"=  handes  by  the  Erie 
of  Desmonde,  John  of  Desmonde,  and  James  Fitzmorris 
warre  and  others  their  confedrates  and  associates." 
(Chr.  Peyton,  1586).  Preserved  in  the  year  1900  in  the 
Record  Office,  Dubhn,  in  Bay  i^ ,  shelf  8^,  number  192 
in  the  Custom  House  collection  under  the  title  Survey 
of  Escheated  Lands,  County  Limerick,  1586,  by  Ch. 
Peyton  and  other  Commissioners. 

This  MS.  contains  the  names  of  the  free  tenants, 
castles,  townlands  and  woods  of  the  greater  portion  of 
the  county  with  short  descriptive  particulars  of  each. 
It  is  written  in  Latin. 

The  Ordnance  Survey  Letters  are  preserved  in  the 
Royal  Irish  Academy  and  are  quoted  in  the  abbreviated 
form  O.S.L.  B.B.L.  refers  to  the  Black  Book  of  Limerick. 
S.C.D.L  and  sometimes  S.C.  refer  to  Sweetman's 
Calendar  of  Documents  relating  to  Ireland  (State  Paper 
Series).  Whatever  other  abbreviations  occur  in  the 
book  are  explained  in  the  footnotes.  The  Memorials 
■of  Adare  is  a  book  that  has  been  privately  printed  but 
never  published,  and  for  that  reason  is  very  rare. 

I  have  now  the  pleasing  duty  to  return  my  most 
grateful  thanks  to  my  Lord  Bishop,  the  Most  Rev. 
Dr.  O'Dwyer,  for  the  beautiful  preface  he  has  written 
for  this  work,  for  the  loan  of  valuable  MSS.,  and  for  the 
most  cheering  encouragement  during  the  progress  of  my 
labours. 

I  have  to  thank  my  able  and  valued  friend, 
Michael  J.  MacEnery,  Esq.,  B.A.,  Public  Record  Office, 
Dublin,  for  supplying  me  with  many  valuable  documents 


xviii  author's  preface. 

and  for  his  assistance  in  interpreting  them  ;  Patrick 
Weston  Joyce,  Esq.,  LL.D.,  for  reading  the  proof  sheets  ■ 
and  for  some  vahiable  suggestions ;  the  Rev.  Patrick  S. 
Dinneen,  M.A.,  for  correcting  the  proof  sheets  of  the  .■ 
Provincial  Synod  of  Cashel  from  Wilkins'  Councils  in 
Trinity  College  Library  ;  Rev.  Timothy  Lee,  P.P., 
Croom,  who  has  a  unique  collection  of  books  and  MSS. 
relating  to  Ireland,  for  the  loan  of  some  rare  works  ; 
Rev.  P.  Woulfe,  C.C,  Kilmallock,  formerly  my  fellow 
curate,  whose  extensive  knowledge  of  Irish  was  great 
assistance  to  me  ;  Rev.  Patrick  Lee,  C.C,  Kilfinnane, 
for  a  loan  of  a  MS.  I  may  call  a  critical  edition  of 
White's  Annals  of  the  Diocese  of  Limerick,  by  the  late 
Dean   Cussen,  P.P.,  Bruff. 

With  reference  to  the  illustrations  that  appear  in 
the  work,  I  have  to  acknowledge  my  deep  obligation 
to  the  Council  of  the  Royal  Society  of  Antiquarians, 
Ireland,  for  the  loan  of  many  blocks  that  were  made 
from  photographs  and  drawings  by  Thomas  J.  Westropp, 
Esq.,  who  has  ably  illustrated  the  history  of  the  Diocese 
by  pen  and  pencil;  Rev.  Edward  Cahill,  S.J.,  Mungret 
College,  for  the  loan  of  some  blocks  ;  the  Council  of  the 
Cork  Archaeological  Society  for  the  block  of  St.  Beretc- 
heart's  tombstone  ;  Dr.  George  Fogarty  for  block  of 
Tinnakilla  Cromlech,  and  for  some  photographs  of  old 
churches  ;  Patrick  J.  Lynch,  Esq.,  C.E.,  M.R.I.A.,  who 
has  drawn  the  Map  of  the  Diocese,  accompanying  this 
volume,  with  taste  and  skill. 

I  regret  very  much  to  have  to  chronicle  the  death 
of  the  Very  Rev.  Michael  Costello,  O.P.,  which  occurred 


author's  preface.  xix 

on  the  5th  of  March  in  the  Irish  Dominican  College, 
San  Clemente,  Rome,  at  the  ripe  age  of  eighty-two  ; 
instead  of  having  to  thank  him  for  his  great  kindness 
in  lending  me  that  portion  of  his  MS.  relating  to  the 
Annates  of  the  Diocese  of  Limerick.  The  manuscript 
is  written  in  Latin.  I  have  not  given  any  lengthy 
quotations  from  it  in  that  language  as  the  Annates  of 
all  the  dioceses  of  Ireland  will  soon  appear  in  book 
form. 

It  only  now  remains  for  me  to  record  my  appreciation 
of  the  kindness  I  have  received  from  Mr.  J.J.  MacSweeney 
and  assistants  of  the  Royal  Irish  Academy. 

ScAJo^n   O'beA^lAoic. 
St.  Munchin's, 

May  2 1st,  1906. 


CONTENTS. 


Preface   by   the   Most    Rfv.    Dr.    O'Dwyer,    Bishop   of 

Limerick  .......         vii 

Author's  Preface       ......         xv 

CHAPTER  I. 
Hy  Fidhgente,  the  old   name    of  the  territory  corre- 
sponding WITH  THE  Diocese  of  Limerick      .  .  i 

CHAPTER  H. 

The  Manners  and  Customs  of  Hy  Fidhgente         .  .  15 

CHAPTER  III. 
Introduction  of  Christianity  .  ...         27 

CHAPTER  IV. 
The  Monastic  Foundations  .  ....         33 

CHAPTER  V. 
The  Danes  in  Hy  Fidhgente  .  .  .65 

CHAPTER  VI. 

The  Normans  in  Limerick     ,  ,  .  .  .81 

^birteentb  Ccnturg. 

CHAPTER  VII. 
The  Churches  of  the  Diocese  .  .  .  .92 

CHAPTER  VIII. 
The  Organization  of  the  Diocese  ....        128 

CHAPTER  IX. 
The  Affairs  of  the  City       .  .  •  .  .147 

CHAPTER  X. 
The  Anglo-Norman  Manors  in  the  Diocese  .  .        152 


Xxii  CONTENTS. 

^ourteentb  Century.  page 

CHAPTER  XI. 

The  Ecclesiastical  Affairs  of  the  Diocese  .  .188 

CHAPTER  Xn. 

The  Civil  Affairs  of  the  Country  Portion  of  the  Diocese       213 

CHAPTER  Xni. 
The  Affairs  of  the  City       .....        235 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

The  Ecclesiastical  Affairs  of  the  Diocese  .  .       241 

ffitteentb  Century. 

CHAPTER   XV. 
The  Affairs  of  the  City      .  .  .  .  ,314 

CHAPTER  XVI. 
The  Civil  Affairs  of  the  Country  Portion  of  the  Diocese       320 

CHAPTER  XVII. 
The  Medieval  Religious  Foundations         .  .  •117 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 
Iniscathay  (Scattery  Island)  ....        388 

APPENDICES. 

A. — Pedigree  of  O'Donovan  of  Hy  Fidhgente       .  .411 

B. — Correspondence  between  Gillebert  and  St.  Anselm.       417 

C— Corpor.\tion  Lands  .....       419 

D. — A  Bull  in  reference  to  dispute  between  Peter  Creagh, 

Bishop  of  Limerick,  and  the  Franciscans  .        423 

E. — Charter  of  Henry  VI  to  City  of  Limerick,   1423       .       425 

F.— Provincial  Synod  of  Cashel,  held  in  Limerick,    1453        431 

G.— White's  List  of  Churches  of  the  Diocese       .  .       444 

H. — List  of  Provosts,  Mayors,   and  Bailifs  of  the  City, 

from   1195  to  1509    .....       453 

Index  .  .  .  .  •  •  .        461 


CONTENTS. 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS. 

INSERTED   PLATES. 

Page  of  the  Black  Book  of  Limerick 

Map  of  Diocese  of  Limerick 

The  Old  Bridge  of  Adare  . 

Tinnakii.la  Cromlech 

St.  :Mary's  Cathedral,  I-imerick 

Facsimile  of  Plan  of  Limerick  Castle  (civca  i6i  i ) 

Carrigogunnell  Castle 

Adare  Castle 

The  Mitre  of  Cornelius  O'Dea 

The  Crozier  of  Cornelius  O'Dea 

Facsimile  of  Map  of  Limerick  {circa  1509) 

Plan  of  Monasteranenagh  Abbey 

Askeaton  Abbey 

Plan  of  Askeaton  Abbey      . 

Franciscan  Monastery,  Adare 

Trinitarian    Abbey    and  Town   of 


Frontispiece 

Facing  page       1 

10 

31 

76 

147 

186 

212 

243 

244 

319 

345 

357 

,.    '      ,.         358 

360 


Adare  before 


1810 
Plan    of    St.     Catherine's  ;     or,     Old    Abbey, 

Shanagolden 
Plan  of  St.  Mary's  Cathedral,  Limerick 

Facsimile    of    Family    Arms,    etc.,    in    St.    Mary's 

Cathedral  ....  , 

Geoffrey  Arthur's  Tomb,  St.  Mary's  Cathedral     , 


362 

377 
378 

382 
^86 


ILLUSTRATIONS  IN   TEXT 


KiLFiNANE  Moat 
Mungret  Celtic  Church 
iNis  Cathaigh 
KiLLEEDY  Church 
Ardpatrick  Church   . 


XXIV 


CONTENTS. 


Illustrations  in  Text — coutinued. 
St.  Beretcheart's  Tombstone,  at  Tullylease,  Co.  Cork 

KiLLOGHOLEHAN    ChURCH 

The  Doorway  of  Clonelty  Church 

Ardagh  Chalice  .... 

Dysert  Aengus,  Church  and  Round  Tower 

Kilulta  Church  .... 

The  Doorway  of  Donaghmore  Church 

Shanid  Castle  .... 

Costumes    of    Mayors    of    Dublin,  Waterford,  Cork  and 

Limerick,  about  1380 
•Munster  Costume  in  13 So     . 
Medieval  Church,  Mungret 

KiLMALLOCK    ChURCH    AND    RoUND    ToWER 

Mahoonagh  Church    .... 

MoNAGAY  Church        .... 

Kilbradran  Church 

m0nasteranen.a.gh      .... 

Dominican  Priory,  Limerick 

Dominican  Priory,  Kilmallock 

Doorway  of  Old  Abbey,  Shanagolden 


PAGE 

99 
lOI 
104 
106 
114 
118 
121 

239 
240 

247 

270 
279 

347 
353 
374 


THE   DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

ANCIENT    AND    MEDIEVAL. 


CHAPTER    I. 

TOPOGRAPHY. 

The  Diocese  of  Limerick  ^  is  almost  co-extensive  with 
the  ancient  territory  of  Hy  Fidhgente.  This  tribe  was 
so  called  from  Fiacha  Fidhgente, 2  a  descendant  of  Oilioll 
Olnm,  through  his  eldest  son  Eoghan  Mor,  who  fell  in 
battle  near  Athenry  in  a.d.  250.  Fiacha  flourished 
in  the  fourth  century,  and  received  the  cognomen  of 
Fidhgente  for  having  constructed  a  wooden  horse  at 
Colman's  fair,  which  was  anciently  held  on  the  Curragh 
of  Kildare. 

Hy  Fidhgente  is  called  a  tuath,^  a  term  of  indefinite 
meaning.  It  originally  meant  a  tribe  of  people,  but 
after  a  time  came  to  signify  the  place  where  they  dwelt. 
When  so  used,  it  designated  a  district  with  a  complete 
political  and  legal  administration,  and  varied  consider- 
ably in  extent.  When  the  tuath  embraced  a  large  tract 
of  country  such  as  Hy  Fidhgente,  it  was  caUed  a  tuatli 
mor,  and  the  sub-divisions  simply  tuaths.  The  present 
Diocese  of  Limerick  would  fairly  represent  the  one  and 
the  parishes  the  other. 

Being  descended  from  Eoghan  Mor,  the  Hy  Fidhgente 
were  considered  a  free  state,  and  exempt  from  paying 

1  Rev.  Dr.  Reeves  quoted  in  the  Memorials  of  A  dare,  p.  233.  See 
also  Annals  of  the  Four  Masters,  vol.  iii.,  p.  46,  note. 

2  Anns.  Four  Masters,  vol.  vi.,  Appendix,  p.  2434. 

3  O'Curry's  Manners  and  Customs,  vol.  i.,  p.  79. 


2  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

an  annual  tribute  to  the  King  of  Cashel,^  but  were  obliged 
to  supply  forces  at  their  own  expense  to  aid  him  in  his 
wars. 

The  king  generally  resided  at  the  royal  Dun  of 
Bruree,  and  received — 

From  the  King  of  Erin  without  sorrow, 

Ten  tunics,  brown  red, 

And  ten  foreigners  without  Geadhealga  ( Irish) .'^ 

The  territory  of  Hy  Fidhgente  was  divided  into  two 
great  divisions,  Hy  Conaill  and  Hy  Cairbre  Eva,  and 
these  were  further  sub-divided  into  tuaths  of  smaller 
dimensions,  each  enjoying  the  right  of  managing  their 
own  affairs. 

THE   HY   CONAILL. 

The  Hy  Conaill  derive  their  name  from  Conall,  the  third 
in  descent  from  Fiacha,  and  were  seated  m  the  present 
baronies  of  Upper  and  Lower  Connelloe  Shanid  and 
Glenquin.  The  sovereignty  of  the  tribe  fluctuated 
between  them  and  the  Hy  Cairbre. 

The  king  was  accustomed  to  receive  from  the  King 
of  Cashel — 

Ten  steeds  to  the  King  of  Ui  Ghabhra, 
Ten  shields,  ten  swords  fit  for  battle, 
Ten  drinking  horns  in  his  protective  fort, 
Without  hostages  froiu  liini,  without  pledges.^ 

AND 

Entitled  is  the  King  of  fair  Ui  Conaill 
To  an  Easter  dress  from  the  King  of  Cashel. 
His  beautiful  sword  of  shining  lustre, 
\nd  his  spear  along  with  it.^ 

1  Book  of  Rights,  p.  63.  3  ihid.,  p.  jj. 

^Ibid.,  p.  85.  ^  Ibid.,  p.  259. 


TOPOGRAPHY.  3 

THE  SUB-DIVISIONS  OF  UI  COXAILL. 
Corcoide. 

The  exact  position  of  the  Corcoide  sept  has  not 
hitherto  been  identified.  At  the  dawn  of  Irish  history 
Owen  Mor  i  divided  all  Ireland  into  twenty-five  parts 
among  his  children,  and  Corcoide  fell  to  the  lot  of  his 
son  Bard.  It  ranked  as  one  of  the  free  tribes  2  of  Erin, 
at  the  time  of  the  Aitheach  Tuatha  rebellion,  which  is 
said  to  have  taken  place  about  the  beginning  of  the 
Christian  era. 

They  were  renowned  for  their  skill  in  music,  and  had 
the  honour  of  supplyhig  the  court  of  the  King  of  Cashel 
with  harpers.3  When  the  glory  of  Cashel  was  no  more, 
they  sung  the  praises  of  the  Earls  of  Desmond,  and 
when  the  princely  chiefs  of  that  house  passed  through 
their  territory,  they  were  bound  to  entertain  them  for 
a  day  and  a  night,  a  custom  that  prevailed  to  the  time 
of  Elizabeth.* 

Wiien  Boen,  the  father  of  St.  Palcherius,  was  expelled 
from  Connaught  by  his  enemies,  he  obtained  a  home  in 
the  tuath  of  Corcoide,^  through  the  influence  of  Si.  Ita, 

'^AiDis.  Four  Masteys,  vol.  i.,  p.  74. 

2  O'Curry's  Manners  and  Customs,  vol.  i.,  p.  27,  note. 

^  Ibid.,  vol.  iii.,  p.  208. 

*  "  Lands  held  by  the  rimers  of  the  Earl  in  the  mountain  of 
Slewlocra  are  named  Brosenaghe  [now  Brosna  in  Kerry,  near  Mount 
Collins],  and  by  the  rimers  of  Templay  Egleantane  [Ternpleglantine], 
and  Ballywroho  [Ballymorrough]."  The  names  within  brackets  are 
the  modern  ones. 

"  Rents  and  duties  when  the  Earl  doth  cross  the  mountain  or  take 
his  journey  betwixt  Kerry  and  Connelough,  the  foresaid  rimers  are 
wont  to  bear  the  charge  for  a  day  and  a  night,  coming  and  going." 
—State  Papers  Series,  Carew  MSS.,  1515-1574. 

5  "  Corcoic  in  the  country  of  Hua-Conaill-Ghabhra."  O'Hanlon 
quoting  an  old  Irish  life  of  St.  Pulcherius,  translated  by  Professor 
O'Looney. — See  Lives  of  Irish   Saints,  vol.   lii.,  pp.   339,  340. 

(Boen)  "  Venit  ad  rcgionem  Momoniae  et  habitavit  in  terra 
Hua-Conaill-Ghabhra  cum  suis,  in  plebe  quae  dicitur  Corcobhais- 
cinn." — Colgan's  Acta  Sanctorum  Hiberniae,  p.  389. 

Corcobhaiscinn  in  the  above  sentence  is  evidently  a  scribe's  error 
for  Corcoic,  as  that  territory  was  confined  to  the  south-west  of  the 
present  Co.  Clare.  This  will' appear  more  clearly  when  we  come  to  the 
life  of  St.  Senan. 


4  DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 

at  whose  monastery  he  was  employed  as  a  worker  in 
the  fine  arts.  From  this  it  may  be  inferred  that  the 
district  was  not  far  distant  from  Killeedy.  O'Heerin 
thus  describes  it  : — 

Corco  Oiche  of  beautiful  wood, 

A  fair  surfaced  territory  of  fresh  inbhers, 

A  fair  land  of  best  showers. 

Under  the  vigorous  hero,  O'Macassa. 

In" Anglo-Norman  documents  it  is  written  Corkoyghe, 
being  a  slight  variation  of  the  original. 

In  the  year  1251,  Gerard  de  Prendegast  held  of 
David  de  Barry  a  half  cantred  in  Corkoyghe,  by  the 
service  of  one  knight,  and  John  FitzThomas  held  the 
land  of  Gerard  by  the  same  service,  which  was  never 
rendered.^ 

In  an  inquisition,  held  in  a.d.  1298,  relative  to  the 
manor  of  Novo  Castro  (Newcastle  West),  the  sergeancy 
or  receivership  was  valued  at  6s.  8d.,  which  shows  that 
it  was  a  rather  extensive  district,'' 

In  a  document  called  the  -'Rental  of  Connelloe,"^ 
which  dates  back  to  the  year  1452,  one  of  the  divisions 
is  styled  Corkoythe  ;  and  the  townlands  mentioned  under 
that  heading  furnish  the  first  definite  clue  to  the  real 
identification  and  extent  of  the  ancient  Corcoide.  In 
another  MS.*  called  "  Peyton's  Survey,"  which  was  made 
in  the  year  1586,  a  still  more  definite  description  of  it  is 
given,  under  the  title  Toghe  Gortcoythe,  a  very  corrupted 
form  of  the  word.  The  names  of  the  townlands  at  the 
present    day    are    identical    with    those    mentioned     in 


1  See  Sweetman's  Calendar  of  Documents  relating  to  Ireland,  under 
the  year  125 1.  As  many  references  are  to  be  made  to  Sweetman's 
Calendar,  the  following  abbreviation  will  be  used  in  future  viz  • 
S.C.D.I. 

2  Ibid. 

3  A  document  preserved  in  the  Public  Record  Office,  Dublin. 
*  Also  in  the  Public  Record  Office,  Dublin. 


TOPOGRAPHY.  5 

Peyton's  Siirve}'-,  and  a  good  many  with  those  in  the 
Rental,  and  the  inquisition  of  1298. 

From  the  foregoing  authorities  the  Corcoide  would 
be  co-extensive  with  the  poor  law  parishes  of  Monagea, 
Abbeyfeale,  and  that  part  of  Killeedy  parish  included 
in  the  tow^nlands  of  Glengort,  Knocknadiha,  and  the 
district  round  Mount  Collins,  which  was  anciently  known 
as  Knockroedermot,  a  name  that  is  now  an  alias  for 
Ballybeg.  All  these  places  were  in  the  parish  of  Monagea 
in  the  year  1586,  which  was  then  written  Monagh 
Adare. 

O'Bathan. 

Whatever  information  has  come  down  to  us  relative 
to  this  tuath,  is  derived  from  Anglo-Norman  sources. 

In  the  inquisition  of  a.d.  1298,1  concerning  the  manor 
of  Newcastle,  it  is  first  mentioned.  In  the  Rental  it 
is  written  O'Bathyn,  and  would  correspond  with  that 
portion  of  the  county  lying  between  Newcastle  and 
Ardagh,  extending  westward  over  Rooska  hill  as  far  as 
the  village  of  Athea. 

In  Peyton's  Survey  it  is  styled  Toghe  Meaghan, 
and  another  part  added  on,  called  Toghe  Yeaghtragh, 
or  the  lower  part  of  the  tuath  Meaghan,  and  would  be 
represented  by  the  district  running  northward  as  far  as 
Kilcoleman,  between  Cahermoyle  and  the  mountain. 

Cleanglass  or  Cleanghlais. 

Let  us  proceed  across  Luachair  hither, 
A  journey  which  is  fit  for  poets  ; 
To  the  cold  and  festive  Cleanglais, 
Of  the  green  irriguous  wooded  land. 

—  O'Heerin. 

In    the  year   1155,   Cuilen  of   Cleanghlais  ^   the  lord 

1  See  S.C.D.I.  under  that  year. 

-See  Anns.  Four  Masters,  vol.  ii.,  p.  1117,  second  edition.  The 
one  quoted  in  this  work. 


6  DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 

X3f  Hy  Conaill-Gabhra  fell  by  Ui  Cinnfhaelaidh  (Kinealy ) 
In  1266  Mahon  O'Cuilein  1  (O'Collins),  lord  of  Cleaiiglais, 
was  killed  by  his  own  wife,  with  a  stab  of  a  knife,  through 
jealousy.  He  seems  to  be  identical  with  '  Macchulan  ' 
O'Kellv  de  O'Chonyl,  who,  with  other  chiefs,  received 
letters  from  Henry  HI  to  join  him  in  an  expedition,  to 
Scotland  in  3'ear  1244.- 

x\fter  iVIahon's  death,  the  Geraldines  seem  to  have 
appropriated  his  territory,  and  the  branch  of  the  family 
that  settled  down  there  were  known  as  lords  of  Cleanglass. 
The  chieftain  of  this  tuath  was  sometimes  elected  to  the 
sovereignty  of  the  tribe.  The  district  corresponding  to 
the  present  parish  of  Killeedy  would  fairly  represent 
this  tuath.  In  Anglo-Norman  documents  it  was  known 
as  Killeedy.  In  Peyton's  v^urvey  it  is  divided  into  two 
half  tuaths  called  Killeedy  and  Killheylaghe  (Killilagh). 
In  another  part  of  the  sam^e  MS.  they  are  included  in 
the  manor  of  Clenlish, 

The  Toghe  de  Tawnaghe. 

There  is  no  mention  of  this  tuath  in  any  Irish  autho- 
rity, but  it  very  often  occurs  in  Anglo-Norman  documents. 

Early  in  the  thirteenth  centur}^  Geoffry  de  Marisco 
gave  land  in  Waterford  to  William  de  Prendegast,  in 
exchange  for  the  tuath  of  Maccaveni »  in  Occonil 
(OConaill). 

In  an  inquisition  held  into  the  property  of  Thomas 
de  Clare,*  it  is  called  the  manor  of  Moyavenach,  and  its 
extent  is  fairly  defined,  as  many  of  the  townlands  are 
given,  and  they  are  the  same  as  those  mentioned  in  the 
Rental  and  Peyton's  Survey.  It  was  equivalent  to  tlie 
present    parish    of    Mahoonagh.     In    every   document    I 

i  Anns.  Four  blasters,  vol.   iii.,   under   that  year. 

2  See  S.C.D.I. 

3  Ibid.,   year  1278. 
^  Ihid..   year  1288. 


TOPOGRAPHY.  7 

have  seen  the  name  is  spelt  somewhat  differentl3^  though 
easily  recognisable. 

Corca  Muichead. 

Corca  Muichead  ranked  as  one  of  the  free  tribes  ^ 
of  Erin.     O'Heerin  thus  describes  it  : — 

Maclnnerigh,  hero  of  Gems, 

Over  the  mellow  Corca  Muichead, 

A  fine  host,  who  constantly  ramify. 

Like  the  white  blossom  of  the  branching  appletree. 

In  early  Anglo-Norman  documents  2  it  is  called 
Corkemoyd,  and  Corkemoyst.  It  is  not  mentioned  m 
detail  in  any  document  down  to  Peyton's  Survey,  where 
it  is  styled  the  Toghe  of  Clonehennery,  in  the  parish  of 
Ballyin  castellanc  Corkniohur,  i.e.,  Castletown  Corca- 
mohoid  ;  and  would  be  co-extensive  with  the  present 
parishes  of  Corcomohide,  Kilmeedy,  DrumcoUogher,  and 
Cloncrew.  The  chieftain  of  this  district  was  MacEnery, 
and  the  family  succeeded  in  retaining  a  portion  of  their 
ancient  patrimony  down  to  the  Cromwellian  confiscations. 

Brughrigh  {Brurec). 

Bruree  was  the  ancient  royal  tuath  where  the  king 
of  the  tribe  usually  resided.  Judging  from  the  list  of 
townlands  in  Peyton's  Survey,  it  would  correspond  to 
the  present  parishes  of  Bruree  and  Colman's  Well. 

Gortculligon. 

The  earliest  notice  of  Gortculligon  is  to  be  found  in 
the  Rental,  where  it  is  mentioned  as  paying  forty  shillings 
when  royal  service  was  proclaimed  in  Hy  Conaill,  and 
is  there  written  Gortcolgyn.  In  Peyton's  Survey  the 
different  townlands  are  given  in  detail,  and  they  are  the 

1  See  O'Curry's  Manners  and  Customs,  vol.   i.,  p.  2j,  note. 

2  See  S.C.D.'I.  from  1171-1306. 


8  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

same  as  those  in  the  present  parish  of  Ballingarry,  with 
which  it  must  have  been  co-extensive. 

Olyhane.  . 

There  is  no  mention  of  this  tuath  in  any  document 
earUer  than  Peyton's  Survey.  As  it  is  there  described 
it  would  correspond  to  that  part  of  Rathkeale  parish, 
south-east  of  the  town. 

Croth  {Croagh). 

Croagh  as  a  tuath  is  iirst  referred  to  in  Peyton's 
Survey.  The  name  frequently  occurs  in  the  Black 
Book  of  Limerick,  and  is  the  same  as  Maycroo.^  It 
would  correspond  with  the  present  parish  of  Croagh 
and  parts  of  the  parishes  of  KilRnny  and  Drehidtarsna. 

N  ante  nan. 

The  earliest  reference  to  this  district  is  in  the 
Black  Book,  and  it  occurs  there  in  the  year  1237.-  The 
name  is  derived  from  Neanntanin,^  and  means  land 
abounding  in  nettles.  According  to  the  Peyton  Survey 
it  would  be  equivalent  to  the  present  parish  of  Nantenan, 
and  that  part  of  Rathkeale  west  of  the  town. 

Magreny. 

Magreny  is  first  mentioned  in  the  Black  Book.*  and 
there  is  no  mention  of  it  in  any  document  until 
Peyton.  In  that  Survey  it  is  called  Treanmoregney,  a 
district  corresponding  with  the  parishes  of  Clonelty  and 

1  In  a  document  in  the  Black  Book,  page  90,  Croch  is  given  as  a 
heading  to  it,  and  in  the  body  of  the  same  document  ]\Ia\Tichro  is 
substituted  for  Croch.     This  document  is  dated   1239. 

2  See  page  75,  where  it  is  written  Mayntaney. 

3  Ordnance  Survey  Letters  preserved  in  the  Royal  Irish  Acad'^.my 
will  be  abbreviated  in  future    references  to  O.S.L. 

4  See  Black  Book,  page  75,  where  it  is  written  Mayrj-ne,  and  in 
page  93  in  an  undated  document,  Magrany. 


TOPOGRAPHY.  9 

Cloncagh.  It  is  called  a  half-tiiath,  and  attached  to 
Askeaton.  There  is  another  half-tuath  adjoining  called 
O'Gallawhore,  which  would  be  equivalent  to  the  present 
parish  of  Grange.  Perhaps  the  two  originally  formed 
one   tuath, 

0^  Fergus. 

O'Fergus,  or  Fargus,  is  mentioned  in  the  Black 
Book,i  and  also  in  the  Rental,  where  some  of  the  town- 
lands  are  given  in  detail.  It  is  called  Farrensessergh  in 
Peyton,  and  the  townlands  correspond  with  those  in 
the  Rental.  It  would  now  be  represented  by  the  parish 
of  Clonagh  and  part  of  Kilscannell. 

Drynan  and  Lismakerrye. 
Dry  nan  2  occurs  in  the  inquisition  relative  to  the 
manor  of  Shanid,  in  the  year  1298.  It  is  there  set 
down  as  the  '  half-tuath  of  Poble  Minter  Drynan,'  i.e., 
the  half-tuath  inhabited  by  the  people  called  Drynan. 
I  find  no  other  mention  of  it  until  Peyton's  Survey, 
where  it  is  also  called  a  half-tuath,  and  would  correspond 
to  the  present  parish  of  Kilbradran.  The  name  is  now 
totally  forgotten.  Lismakerrye  (Lismakeery)  is  set 
down  in  Peyton  as  containing  a  half  tuath,  and  would 
be  equivalent  to  the  parish  of  that  name.  Perhaps  both 
in  ancient  times  formed  one  tuath. 

Eas  Geihhtne  {Askeaton). 

This  tuath  was  considered  as  one  of  the  unfree  tribes. ^ 

After  the  Aitheach  Tuatha  rebellion  they  were  dispersed 

through  the  free  clans  of  Hy  Conaill.     It  is  one  of  the 

•earliest  places  mentioned  in  Anglo-Norman  documents. -^ 

1  See  page  76. 

•^See  S.C.D.I. 

sO'Currv's  Manners  and  Customs,  vol.  i.,  p.  2-,  note. 

4Hmeskefty  Castle.     See  S.C.D.I.,  year   1215,  Xo.   593. 


10  DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 

According  to  the  Rental  and  Peyton's  Survey,  it  would 
correspond  to  the  present  parish  of  Askeaton  and  portions 
of  the  surrounding  parishes. 

DHninoyian. 

Dunmoylan  is  mentioned  in  the  inquisition  i  relating 
to  the  manor  of  Shanid  as  a  tuath.  In  Peyton's  Survey 
it  is  set  out  in  detail,  and  would  be  equivalent  to  the 
parishes  of  RobertstoNvn,  Dunmoylan,  and  Kilcoleman. 

Shanid, 

At  Shanid,2  in  the  year  834,  the  chieftain  of  Hy  Conaill 
defeated  the  Danes.  This  is  the  first  reference  to  the 
name  that  is  to  be  found.  It  is  mentioned  early  in  the 
thirteenth  ^  century  as  being  a  cantred,  and  in  possession 
of  Thomas  FitzThomas.  It  is  said  to  be  the  ancient 
home  of  the  Geraldines  in  the  county  of  Limerick,  and 
from  it  they  took  their  war  cry,  Shanid  aboo. 

According  to  the  Rental  it  would  be  co-extensive 
with  the  manor.  In  Peyton's  Survey  the  tuath  is  co- 
extensive with  the  parishes  of  Kilm.oylan  and  Shana- 
golden. 

Glancorhy  {Glin). 

It  is  mentioned  in  the  Black  Book  *  at  the  beginning 
of  the  thirteenth  century.  In  the  inquisition  relating  to 
the  manor  of  Shanid,  in  1298,  it  is  called  a  half- tuath, 
and  also  in  Peyton.  It  would  be  represented  at  present 
by  the  parish  of  Kilfergus  or  Glin.  The  manor  of 
Loughill,  which  belonged  to  the  Bishop  of  the  diocese, 
was  probably  equivalent  to  the  other  half-tuath. 

1  See  S.C.D.T.,  a.d.  1298. 

2  See  War  of  the  Gaedhill  ivith  the  Gaill,  pp.  61,  66. 

3  Inquisition,  1282.  A  cantred  in  Cunvl  (Conaill),  called 
Shennede. — See  5.C.Z)./.,    a.d.  12S2. 

"^  Black  Book,  pp.  27,  28,  116. 


TOPOGRAPHY.  11 

Cairhre  Eva. 

The  Ui  Cairbre  i  were  so  called  from  Cairbre  Eva 
(beautiful),  the  second  in  descent  from  Fiacha.  They 
were  located  in  that  part  of  the  diocese  east  of  the 
Maigue,2  extending  northward  to  the  Shannon,  and 
included  the  barony  of  Kenry.  In  the  prose  portion  of 
the  Book  of  Rights  ^  the  King  of  Ui  Cairbre  was  entitled 
to  receive  from  the  King  of  Cashel — 

Seven  steeds, 

Seven  horns  from  which  wine  is  drunk. 
Seven  swords,  it  is  a  happy  engagement, 
Seven  serving  youths  ;  seven  bondwomen. 

In  the  poem  that  follows  he  is  styled  King  of  Bruree, 
indicating  that  he  was  King  of  the  Ui  Fidhgente  at  the 
time  the  poem  was  composed,  which  would  be  some 
time  in  the  ninth  or  tenth  century,  as  it  was  during 
those  centuries  the  chieftains  of  Ui  Cairbre  principally 
figure  in  history  ;  and  that  through  alliances  with  the 
Danes. 

Being  a  rich  and  fair  land,  situated  for  the  most 
part  in  an  open  plain,  it  fell  an  eas}^  conquest  to  the 
Anglo-Normans  soon  after  their  arrival  in  the  country. 
The  limits  of  the  tuaths  that  lay  in  this  district  are  not 
so  well  defined  as  in  Ui  Conaill.  The  information  that 
has  come  down  from  Irish  and  Anglo-Norman  sources 
is  very  meagre. 

SUB-DIVISIONS    OF   UI    CAIRBRE. 

Dromin   Cleirchm. 

The  name  of  this  tuath  is  still  preserved  in  the  parish 
of  Dromin.     The  chieftain  *  of  the  sept  was  king  of  the 

1  Anns.  Four  Masters,  vol.  vi.,  Appendi.x,  2434, 

2  See  Book  of  Rights,  p.  jj,  note. 

3  Ibid.,  pp.  71-77. 

■^  Anns.  Four  Masters,  vol.  ii.,  p.  77. 


12  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

tribe  in  the  year  1014,.  In  Anglo-Norman  times  it 
was  included  in  the  Manor  of  Athlacca,  and  was  probably 
co-extensive  with  the  present  parishes  of  Dromin  and 
Athlacca. 

O'Heerin  thus  describes  it  : — 

The  share  of  the  noble  Dal  Cairbre  Eva, 
Of  the  Kings  of  Cashel,  of  white  wattles ; 
Lasting  is  his  profit  of  the  land, 
The  brave  pillar,  Cleirchin. 


Three  septs  of  high  hilarity 
Are  over  Desi  beg  of  trees. 

Bruff  1  was  called  Brug  na  Desi,  and  was  in  the 
northern  part  of  the  tuath. 

It  is  stated  in  an  inquisition  held  in  125 1,  that  the 
manor  of  Tobbernea^  was  situated  in  Desi  beg.  From 
other  sources  3  we  learn  that  the  manor  was  co-extensive 
with  the  parishes  of  Efhn  and  Ballingaddy.  The  old 
tuath  would  appear  from  these  statements  to  be  equiva- 
lent to  the  parishes  of  Bruff,  Uregare,  Effin,  and 
Ballingaddy. 

Cliu  Mail.' 

Clin  Mail  was  like  Corcoide,  one  of  the  twenty-five 
divisions  made  by  Owen  Mor.  It  fell  to  his  son, 
Muireadhach  Mai. 

According  to  old  authorities  it  would  include  the 
district  between  Knockainey  and  the  Slieve  Riach  moun- 
tains. According  to  the  Annals  of  the  Four  Masters, 
Athneasy  was  in  the  centre  of  this  territory.     It  may 

1  See  O'Heerin's  Topog.  Poems  and  Charter  of  Magio,  where  it  is 
called  Brug.     S.C.D.I.  under  the  year   1201. 

2  See  S.C.D.I.  under  5'ear  1251,  p.  478. 

3  See  Memorials  of  Adare,  p.  280,  Appendix  :M. 

*  See  Anns.  Four  Masters,  vol.  v.,  p.  1648,  note. 


TOPOGRAPHY.  I3; 

be  the  same  as  that  Anglo-Norman  cantred,  Fontimel, 
which  occurs  frequently  in  medieval  documents. 

A  dare  and  Groom. 

Adare  and  Croom  are  mentioned  in  Anglo-Norman 
documents  as  cantreds.  The  cantred  was  used  as  an 
equivalent  for  tuath,  irrespective  of  extent,  from  which 
it  may  be  inferred  that  they  were  old  Irish  divisions, 
though  there  is  no  allusion  to  them  in  old  Irish 
documents. 

E scion  or  Eschlitana. 

This  district  is  mentioned  in  the  State  Papers  as  a 
manor.  In  the  Black  Book  ^  of  Limerick,  about  the 
year  1203,  there  is  reference  to  it,  and  at  that  time 
belonged  to  William  de  Burgo.  Early  in  the  fift6enth 
century  it  passed  under  the  sway  of  the  O'Briens,  and 
was  henceforth  known  as  Pubble  Brien,  and  would, 
in  olden  times,  include  the  greater  portion  of  the  present 
barony  of  that  name. 

Tuath  Lnimnigh. 

Tuath  I.uimnigh,  about  the  noble  Sionain, 

Two  chiefs  are  over  it  on  one  side. 

O'Cadhla  (Kealy)  and  O'Maille  (O'Malley)  the  swift, 

Beautiful  ravens  of  the  two  inbhers. 

—  O'Heerin. 

From  other  sources  that  will  be  mentioned  later  on 
we  learn  that  part  of  O'Malley's  land  would  correspond 
with  the  parish  of  Knocknagaul,  from  which  it  would 
appear  that  this  territory  lay  round  the  city  m  th& 
direction  of  this  parish. 

1  Black  Book,  pp.  14  and  103. 


14  DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 

Caonraighe  {Kcnry). 

The  hero  of  Caonraighe  of  fair  land. 

Is  O'Maolcallan  (Mulholland)  of   branches. 

■ —  O'Heerin, 

It  lay  west  of  the  Maigue,  bordering  on  the  Shannon. 
The  present  barony  of  Kenry  would  include  itself  and 
Iverus. 

Ui  Rosa. 

O'Bearga  of  the  fair  mansion  obtained 
The  cantred  of  Ui  Rossa  of  rich  course. 

It  would  now  be  represented  by  the  parish  of  Iveruss, 
and  perhaps  part  of  Kilcornan.  The  family  name  of  the 
chieftain  seems  to  be  obsolete. 


CHAPTER  II. 

THE   MANNERS   AND    CUSTOMS   OF   HY   FIDHGENTE. 

The  government  ^  of  the  tribe  was  vested  in  the  king, 
who  was  chosen  from  one  of  the  princely  houses  of  the 
two  great  divisions  of  Ui  Conaill  and  Ui  Cairbre.  For 
this  reason  the  King  of  Hy  Fidhgente  is  often  styled 
King  of  Ui  Conaill,  or  Ui  Cairbre,  indicating  that  he  was 
a  native  of  one  or  other  of  these  divisions.  If  there 
were  more  than  one  aspirant  to  the  throne, 2  every  free- 
man of  the  rank  of  Aire  had  a  vote.  They  met  on  an 
appointed  day,  at  the  court  of  the  Brewy,  or  hosteller, 
of  the  district,  and  after  three  days  and  three  nights' 
deliberation,  they  selected  the  most  eligible  candidate. 

He  was  inaugurated  with  great  ceremony,  promising 
to  rule  with  justice  and  preserve  the  ancient  rights  and 
customs  of  the  kingdom.  All  the  chiefs  or  sub-kings 
were  bound  to  obey  him,  and  assist  in  the  government 
of  the  State. 

The  Subjects. — The  subjects  of  the  king  were  divided 
into  different  grades,  namely,  nobles,  non-noble  freemen 
with  property,  non-noble  freemen  without  property, 
and  the  non-free  classes.  The  first  three  grades  pos- 
sessed property,  and  were  the  privileged  classes.  A 
person  who  belonged  to  this  class  ranked  as  a  chief. 

The  nobles  were  divided  among  themselves  accord- 
ing to  the  amount  of  landed  property  each  one  pos- 
sessed.    The  non-noble  freemen  had  no  land   of  their 

1  See  Anns.  Four  Masters,  vol.  vi.,  p.  2435. 

2^See  O'Curry's  Manners  and  Customs,  \o\.  i.,  and  Social  History 
of  Ancient  Ireland  (Joyce),  vol.  i.,  chap.  iii. 

3  For  this  and  following  headings  see  the  above  books  which 
are  furnished  with  good  indexes. 


l6  DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 

own,  their  wealth  consisting  of  cattle  and  other  movable 
goods;  hence  they  were  called  Boaires  or  cow  chiefs. 
When  they  had  no  land  of  their  own  the  Flaiths  or 
nobles  supplied  the  want  by  letting  some  of  their  lands 
at  a  certain  rent.  They  were  the  magistrates  that  pre- 
sided at  local  courts  to  administer  justice,  for  which 
they  were  entitled  to  certain  allowances  and  privileges 
according  to  rank. 

The  non-noble  freemen  without  property  were  of  the 
same  class,  but  much  poorer  ;  and  if  fortune  favoured 
any  of  them  with  a  sufficient  amount  of  wealth,  they 
could  become  Boaires, 

The  non-free  classes  were  that  portion  of  the  com- 
munity who  had  no  claim,  to  any  part  of  the  tribe-land, 
but  were  allowed  under  certain  conditions  to  cultivate 
little  plots  for  their  maintenance.  The  laws  regulating 
these  various  ranks  of  society  are  minutely  laid  down 
in  theBrehon  Code,  with  a  clearness  and  precision  which 
reveal  the  high  pitch  of  civilization  that  existed  in 
Ireland,  long  before  it  was  subjected  to  the  influence  of 
foreign  states. 

Dwellings. — The  houses  of  the  inhabitants  were  built 
of  very  perishable  and  fragile  materials,  but  rich  and 
costly,  according  to  the  rank  of  the  occupier.  All  that 
now  remain  of  them  are  the  circular  mounds  popularly 
known  as  forts,  which  are  scattered  over  the  country, 
and  generally  attributed  by  the  natives  to  the  Danes. 
Rath,  Dun,  Lis,  were  the  terms  usually  apphed  to  them. 
The  dwelling-house  of  a  chief  was  surrounded  by  two 
or  more  concentric  mounds,  the  space  between  the 
inner  circles  was  filled  with  water,  but  of  late  years 
the  outer  ramparts  of  many  of  them  have  been  removed 
by  improving  tenants  for  manuring  their  land. 

Where  stone  abounds  some  of  them  were  built  of 
that  material.  These  were  called  Cahers,  and  generally 
gave  their  names  to  the  townlands  where  they  are  founds 


THE  MANNERS  AND   CUSTOMS  OF  HY  FIDHGENTE.       17 

such  as  the  two  cahers  in  Abbeyfeale  parish,  and  Caher- 
levoy,  near  Mount  ColUns.  There  are  perfect  specimens 
of  stone  forts,  but  now  nearly  covered  with  brushwood, 
in  the  townlands  of  Coolcappa,  and  Lissatotan — the  only 
ones  existing  in  that  locality.  In  the  west  of  the  county 
there  exists,  roughly  speaking,  one  of  these  old  forts 
for  every  thirty  acres  of  land  ;  and  when  it  is  borne  in 
mind  that  they  were  mostly  all  intended  for  human 
habitations,  the  population  was  of  considerable  extent. 
They  were  usually  built  in  a  pleasant  situation,  com- 
manding a  good  view,  and  in  sight  of  each  other.  Some- 
times they  are  to  be  found  in  clusters,  as  at  Ballyegna, 
forming  pastoral  villages,  which  would  be  the  nearest 
approach  in  ancient  Ireland  to  our  modern  towns. 

Residences  were  often  erected  for  greater  safety 
in  the  middle  of  lakes  and  marshy  places.  The  house 
was  constructed  on  beams  of  timber  forming  an  arti- 
ficial island,  thereby  ensuring  great  security  to  the 
occupants.  There  is  a  beautiful  specimen  of  this  kind 
of  dwelling  still  to  be  seen  in  Lough  Gur,  and  Coolcro- 
nogue,  near  Ardagh,  suggests  the  site  of  another.  Judging 
from  the  remains  that  have  been  found  in  some  of  those 
that  have  been  explored  in  other  parts  of  Ireland,  they 
are  of  a  very  high  antiquity,  while  some  have  been 
inhabited  as  late  as  the  reign  of  Elizabeth. 

The  King  of  Munster  ^  had  many  ro^^al  residences  in 
different  parts  of  his  dominions,  where  he  was  accustomed 
to  spend  a  part  of  the  year  enjoying  the  hospitality  of 
his  subjects.  The  following  are  the  principal  ones  that 
can  now  be  identified  in  Hy  Fidhgente, 

Bruree  (seat  of  the  kings)  was  from  remote  times  a 
seat  of  royalty.  It  was  also  called  Dun  Eochair  Mhaighe 
(the  fort  on  the  brink  of  the  river  Maigue).  About  a 
mile  north  of  the  village,  on  the  western  bank  of  the 
river,  in  the  townland  of  Lower  Lotteragh,  there  is  a 

1  See  Book  of  Rights. 

c 


l8  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

large  circular  fort  with  three  rings,  locally  known  as 
Lissoleem,!  which  signifies  the  Liss  of  Olum.  King  OiUoll 
Olum,  who  resided  here,  and  from  whom  it  derives  its 
name,  flourished  in  the  second  century,  a.d.  He  was 
the  ancestor  of  the  chief  families  in  Munster. 

Catherchinchon  (Caherkincon),  a  stone  fort,  near 
Rockbarton,  in  the  barony  of  Small  County. 

Dungair.2  The  ruins  of  this  fort  are  to  be  seen  on 
the  hill  of  Doon,  overlooking  Lough  Gur. 

Aenach  Cairpre,  ?.^.,  the  fair  of  the  territory  of  Cairbre, 
which  is  called  Aenach  Cloghur  in  old  authorities. 

Geibhtine.  Eas-Geibhtine,  now  Askeaton  on  the 
Deel. 

Asal.  This  fort  was  at  Knock  drum  Asal,  now  Tory- 
hill,  near  Groom. 


-., .  M^  .uf-.,.-4^1.::>a^i4^ 


.-^_ 


KILFINANE    MOAT. 

Treda  na  righ,  i.e.,  the  triple  fossed  fort  of  the  King, 
supposed  to  be  the  great  fort  near  Kilfinnane. 

Ratharda,  i.e.,  the  fort  of  the  height,  evidently  the 
place  called  in  the  Annals  Ratharda  suird,  now  Rathurd, 
a  townland  in  the  parish  of  Donaghmore,  near  the  city. 

A  great  number  of  these  old  relics  of  bygone  times 
are  still  to  be  found  in  every  parish  of  the  diocese. 
Though  the  houses  that  once  stood  within  the  mounds 
have  long  since  disappeared,  the  general  outline  of^the 
forts  has  been  carefully  preserved  by  the  farmers  on  whose 
lands  they  are  situated.  In  the  fosses  of  some  of^them 
querns  and  other  domestic  utensils  have  been  occasion- 
ally   discovered.     The  mounds  are  usually  clothed   with 

1  Social  Hist,  of  Ancient  Ireland  (Joyce),  vol.  ii.,  p.    102. 

2  See  Book  of  Rights% 


THE   MANNERS  AND  CUSTOMS  OF   HY  FIDHGENTE.       I9 

large  whitethorn  bushes  and  other  shrubs,  which  add  a 
•charm  to  the  landscape  in  summer  time,  when  they  are 
•covered  with  fohage. 

Occupation. — The  people  devoted  the  greater  part  of 
their  time  to  the  cultivation  of  the  soil  and  tending 
their  flocks.  Every  householder  of  the  privileged  class 
had  some  land  where  he  raised  corn  for  the  use  of  the 
house,  and  fed  his  cattle.  There  was  also  a  commonage 
where  the  community  grazed  their  stock  in  common 
-during  the  summer  months. 

Amusements.— In  Hy  Fidhgente,  as  well  as  in  other 
parts  of  the  country,  public  meetings  were  held  for 
various  purposes.  The  Aenach  (fair)  was  the  most 
popular  gathering  at  which  all  grades  of  society  met  for 
pleasure  and  enjoyment.  It  v.^as  generally  held  near  the 
grave  of  a  quasi-historical  personage,  and  had  its  origin 
in  funeral  games.  The  memory  of  one  of  these  assem- 
,  blies  is  still  preserved  in  the  name  Ballinenagh,  better 
known  as  the  Old  Mill,  a  townland,  in  the  parish  of 
Newcastle  West.  In  the  east  of  the  county  there  was 
Aenach  Clochair,  or  the  fair  of  Clogher,  a  place  much 
celebrated  in  old  Irish  legends.  Horse-racmg  was  a 
great  attraction  at  this  fair.  It  is  mentioned  in  an  old 
tale  that  these  races  were  held  at  one  time  m  honour 
of  a  visit  Finn  and  his  companions  paid  to  the  King  of 
Cashel.  The  race-course  extended  from  the  Aenach  to 
to  the  rock,  over  Lough  Gur.  The  king  purchased  the 
winning  horse,  and  presented  him  to  Fmn,  who  afterwards 
performed  wonderful  exploits  with  this  steed  in  the 
kingdom  of  Kerry. 

Where  exactly  this  fair  was  held  is  a  matter  of  con- 
jecture. The  Abbey  of  Monasteranenagh  (the  monastery 
of  the  fair)  is  supposed  by  some  of  our  antiquarians  to  be 
built  on  the  old  fair  green  of  Clochair.  But  this  abbey 
was  an  Irish  foundation,  filled  with  Irish  monks,  who 
had  a  veneration  for  the  time-honoured  customs  of  the 


20  DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 

people,  and  would  not  think  of  building  their  monastery 
on  a  spot  so  dear  to  the  inhabitants,  where  from  time 
immemorial  they  were  accustomed  to  meet  in  good- 
fellowship.  The  grant  of  land  made  to  the  monastery i 
in  the  year  1200  favours  this  opinion,  as  it  is  dis- 
tinctly stated  that  Kenelmegan  was  the  name  of  the 
place  where  the  abbey  was  situated.  In  the  list  of 
townlands  in  the  same  grant,  there  is  one  called  Clughur, 
now  Cloghei.  in  the  parish  of  Dromin,  and  not  very  far 
distant  from  Lough  Gur  and  the  monastery — evidently 
the  place  where  this  fair  was  held.  Monasteranenagh, 
may  have  got  its  name  from  having  this  celebrated  fair 
as  part  of  its  possessions. 

In  an  ancient  tract,  called  the  History  of  the  Cemeteries 
of  Ireland,  it  is  stated  that  the  men  of  Munster  were  in 
olden  times  interred  at  ^Enach  Chuli.  There  is  a  town- 
land  of  that  narne  mentioned  in  the  grant  above  referred 
to,  as  Enach  Chuli  in  Corballi.  In  an  old  document 
Corballi  is  given  as  lying  near  Knockainey,  but  both 
names  have  now  disappeared  from  the  topography  of 
the  locality. 

Sepulture. — The  ancient  Irish  had  two  modes  of 
interment,  namely,  by  placing  the  body  whole  and 
entire  in  a  horizontal  or  upright  position  in  the  earth, 
and  by  cremation. 

When  the  body  was  burned  the  ashes  were  gathered 
together,  and  placed  in  an  urn,  which  was  generally 
deposited  in  an  artificial  chamber,  and  a  monument  or 
cairn  raised  over  it.  This  mode  of  interment  fell  into 
disuse  long  before  the  time  of  St.  Patrick,  as  there  is 
not  the  slightest  allusion  to  it  in  our  oldest  manuscripts. 
The  Cromlechs  or  Dolmen,  in  times  gone  by,  were  con- 
sidered to  be  druids'  altars  ;  they  were  popularly  known 
as  giants'  graves,  and  sometimes  called  the  beds  of 
Diarmuid  and  Graine,  two  well-known  characters  whO' 

1  See  S.C.D.I.,  year  1200. 


THE  MANNERS  AND  CUSTOMS  OF  HY  FIDHGENTE.      21 

•eloped,  and  flying  through  Ireland  for  a  year  and  a  day 
are  supposed  to  have  erected  one  of  them  wherever 
they  rested  for  a  night.  But  from  investigation  they 
are  found  to  contain  human  remains,  and  were  evidently 
erected  over  the  graves  of  some  remarkable  personages. 

In  the  townland  of  Tinnakilla,i  about  two  miles 
south  of  the  village  of  Ballyhahill,  in  the  west  of  the 
county,  there  is  still  existing  a  fine  specimen  of  one  of 
these  monuments.  It  consists  of  a  large  limestone  flag 
measuring  9  feet  4  inches  in  length,  7  feet  6  inches  in 
breadth,  2  feet  thick  at  south  end,  and  i  foot  6  inches 
at  the  north  end.  It  is  supported  by  ten  brown  field 
stones.  About  half  a  furlong  further  south  there  is  a 
standing  stone  almost  in  the  form  of  an  isosceles  triangle, 
measuring  7  feet  in  height,  5  feet  9  inches  in  width, 
and  I  foot  2  inches  in  thickness. 

In  Friarstown  North,  there  is  a  large  stone  7  feet 
high,  5  feet  broad,  and  i  foot  thick,  supported  by  stones 
set  on  edge,  which  being  removed,  human  bones  of  an 
extraordinary  size  were  found  underneath^the  monument. 

At  Kilpeacon,  about  a  mile  distant,  there  is  also  one 
of  a  similar  kind. 

Near  the  south  end  of  the  Causeway,  leading  to  the 
Black  Castle,  at  Lough  Gur,  there  is  a  fine  specimen 
still  in  good  preservation,  and  near  it  another  is  barely 
visible. 

There  is  a  large  earthen  ridge,  artificially  formed 
and  known  as  the  '  Big  Man's  Bed,'  or  giant's  grave, 
near  Glenquin  Castle,  townland  of  Glenmore,  and  parish 
of  Monagea,  which  must  have  been  raised  over  the  grave 
of  some  distinguished  hero  whose  history  is  long  forgotten. 

In  the  townland  of  Ballycommane,  Cathohc  parish 
of  Tournafulla,  there  are  the  remains  of  an  old  Irish 
pagan   cemetery.     There   are   a  great   number   of   httle 

1  O.S.L.,  Limk.,  R.I. A.,  also  Dolmens  of  Ireland  (Borlase). 


22  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

mounds,  one  of  which  when  opened,  showed  that  they 
are  lined  with  a  wall  built  without  mortar,  about 
3  feet  square  and  the  same  in  depth.  In  the  middle  of 
the  square  traces  of  fire  were  found,  and  bits  of  iron  in 
a  very  corroded  state,  but  no  bones  or  urn.  In  another, 
built  in  the  shape  of  a  diminutive  cromlech,  traces  of 
fire  were  also  found,  and  calcined  bones  with  a  very 
primitive  stone  implement  like  a  trowel. i  Tradition 
says  that  there  were  large  flag-stones  lying  on  the  ground 
near  the  same  place  having  writing  on  them  like  music, 
but  these  were  afterwards  broken  up,  and  placed  in 
drains  m  a  neighbouring  field.  From  this  description  it 
may  be  inferred  that  they  were  Ogham  stones.  There 
are  burial  places,  called  kills  or  keels,  as  the  people 
pronounce  the  word,  in  many  parishes  of  the  diocese, 
and  must  belong  to  very  remote  times,  as  there  is  nO' 
tradition  existing  in  connection  with  them. 

At  Lough  Gur,  near  the  Limerick-road,  there  are  very 
remarkable  stone  circles,  which  were  formerly  considered 
to  be  enclosures  where  the  Druids  performed  their 
religious  ceremonies.  But  similar  circles  that  have  been 
explored  in  other  parts  of  the  country  were  found  to 
contain  human  remains,  from  which  it  may  be  inferred 
that  the  Lough  Gur  circles  were  erected  for  a  similar 
purpose,  namely,  to  mark  the  graves  of  the  dead  in 
prehistoric  times. 

FuLACHTA  FiANN  (cookiug  places  of  the  Fianna^). — 
In  different  parts  of  the  territory,  especially  in  the 
mountain  districts,  there  are  frequently  found  heaps  of 
burned  stones  under  the  surface  of  the  soil,  that  are 
called  by  the  above  name  by  the  farmers.  The  most 
distinguished  captain  of  the  Finian  hosts  was  Finn 
MacCumhil,  around  whose  name  a  cluster  of  fables  has 

1  This  is  now  in  the  private  collection  of  Rev.  Timothy  Lee,  P.P.,. 
Croom. 

-  O'Curry's  Manners  and  Custom  of  Ancient  Ireland,  vol.  ii., 
sect.  i8. 


THE  MANNERS  AND  CUSTOMS  OF  HY  FIDHGENTE.      23 

gathered,  the  growth  of  many  ages.  Some  genealogists 
trace  his  descent  from  the  Corcaoiche,i  a  well-known 
sept  of  the  Hy  Fidhgente  ;  but  the  weight  of  evidence 
seems  to  favour  the  opinion  that  he  was  descended 
from  the  Kings  of  Leinster.  He  was  slain  in  his  old 
age,  near  the  Boyne,  in  a.d.  284. 

The  Fenians  in  time  of  peace  were  dispersed  in  com- 
panies through  the  country,  and  had  to  subsist  on  the 
fruits  of  the  chase  from  May  to  November.  The  animals 
they  killed  in  the  morning  were  sent  by  their  attendants 
to  a  place  already  selected,  where  they  were  to  assemble 
in  the  evening  to  enjoy  a  well-earned  meal.  Here  they 
lighted  big  fires  and  put  into  them  large  quantities  of 
sandstones.  Then  they  dug  a  trench  where  they  placed 
the  meat,  tied  in  bundles,  around  which  they  heaped 
the  hot  stones,  and  kept  piling  them  on  until  the  meat 
was  thoroughly  cooked.  On  one  occasion,  when  the 
different  companies  were  called  together  to  prepare  for 
battle,  a  detachment  was  stationed  at  Askeaton,  under 
the  leadership  of  Garad.  Though  their  power  was  broken 
and  their  office  discontinued  long  before  the  intro- 
duction of  Christianity,  still  their  romantic  adventures 
became  the  favourite  theme  of  the  bards  in  after 
ages.  In  our  own  times  many  a  fireside  is  enlivened 
during  the  long  winter  evenings  by  a  spirited  recital  of 
some  of  their  achievements. 


Miscellanea. 

The   territory  is  watered  by  many  fine  rivers   and 
streams,  of  which  the  principal  are  : — 

The    river    Maigue,  with    its    tributaries,  drains  the 
greater  portion  of  the  east  of  the  county.      The  name  is 

'  See  Transactions  of  Ossianic  Society,    1856,   vol.  iv.,   p.   284. 


24  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK 

derived  from  An  Maig^  =  river  of  the  plain.  It  bore 
the  several  epithets  of  Maigreach^  =  salmon  full ;  Mall,^ 
sluggish  ;  and  Na  Mart,*  of  the  beeves.  It  rises  in  the 
borders  of  Cork  and  Limerick,  flows  through  Bruree, 
Croom,  Adare,  and  falls  into  the  Shannon  a  few  miles 
below  Carrigogunnel  Castle.  "  The  yew  tree  of  the  son 
of  Aingcis,  at  Eas  Maigue  ;  its  shadow  is  seen  below 
in  the  water,  and  is  not  seen  itself  on  the  land.''^  This 
remarkable  sight  was  supposed  to  be  seen  at  Caherass, 
near  Croom,  and  ranked  as  one  of  the  wonders  of 
Ireland: 

Its  tributaries  are  the  Loobagh,  flowmg  through 
Kilmallock;  Samair  (Morning  Star)  rises  in  the  south-east 
of  the  county,  and  flows  through  Bruff ;  the  Comoge 
rises  near  Knocklong,  and  after  a  circuitous  course  joins 
the  Maigue,  near  Croom. 

The  other  rivers  in  the  east  are  : — Mulkear,  Bilboa, 
Dead  River,  Groody,  Graigue,  Glenminnaan,  Awbeg, 
Keale. 

The  Deel  rises  in  the  County  Cork,  flows  through 
the  west  of  the  county,  passing  through  the  village  of 
Mohoonagh,  east  of  Newcastle  West,  through  Rathkeale, 
and  falls  into  the  Shannon  below  Askeaton. 

Tributaries :— Bunoke,  Ara,  flowing  through  New- 
castle West,  Daar. 

The  other  rivers  in  the  west  of  the  county  are  :— 
The  Feale,  flowing  between  Limerick  and  Kerry. 

Its  tributaries  are  the  Allaghan,  flowing  through 
Tournalulla  enters  Abbeyfeale  parish  at  Goolbourne 
bridge,  a  short  distance  from  which  it  is  joined  by  the 
Eaghan   river   that   flows   through   Templeglantine.     It 

1  G'Heerin's  Topog.  Poems,  p.  26. 
^  Anns.  Four  Masters,  p.  1730. 
3  O'Heerin's  Topog.  Poems,  p.  118. 
'^  Anns.  Four  Masters,  p.  1730. 

6  See  Irish   Version  of  Nennuis,  Irish  Arch.  Publications,  p.  220, 
note. 


THE  MANNERS  AND  CUSTOMS  OF  HY   FIDHGENTE.       25 

joins  the  Feale  a  short  distance  to  the  north  of  Abbey- 
feale. 

The  Caher  river  joins  the  Feale  at  Mount  Colhns. 

The  Oolagh  river  flows  into  the  Feale,  near  Purt 
Castle. 

The  Gale  flows  through  the  village  of  Athea,  and 
joins  the  Feale  beyond  Listowel.  All  these  rivers  abound 
in  fish,  and  the  Allaghan  and  Eaghan  are  mentioned  by 
Peyton  as  containing  salmon.  The  White  river  enters 
the  Shannon  at  Loughill. 

Mowitains. 

The  range  of  hills  that  rise  up  from  the  plain  at 
Drumcollogher,  and  run  round  the  west  of  the  county 
to  the  Shannon,  were  known  as  the  Luchra  Mountains 
down  to  the  time  of  Elizabeth.  This  was  a  generic 
term,  as  every  district  was  known  by  a  particular  name, 
but  when  the  situation  of  such  districts  was  described  it 
was  said  to  be  in  the  Luchra^  mountain.  There  is  a 
large  earthen  mound  running  through  this  mountain 
from  Abbeyfeale  hill  through  the  parishes  of  Killeedy 
and  Drumcollogher  to  Charleville.  It  is  called  the 
Cladh  Dubh  na  Ratha,  or  the  black  mound  of  Rath- 
gogan,  the  old  name  of  Charleville.  This  mound  was 
well  known  by  the  above  name  to  the  working-men  who 
followed  its  course  as  a  guide  to  Charleville  in  the  last 
century  when  in  search  of  harvest  work.  Tradition  says 
it  runs  westward  from  Abbeyfeale  hill  to  Kerry  Head  ; 
if  so  it  must  be  identical  with  Clee  Ruadg  mentioned 
b}''  Smith  in  his  history  of  Kerry,  and  may  have  been 
some  territorial  boundary  in  ancient  times. 

The  other  great  range  of  hills  in  the  county  were 
called  the  Slieve  Riach,   and   are  south   of  the  hill   of 

1  See  Peyton's  Survev. 


26  DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 

Ardpatrick.  Ceannfeabhrat  was  the  ancient  name  of 
a  part  of  this  range,  and  remarkable  for  the  great  battle 
that  was  fought  there  between  OiUoll  Olum  and  his 
stepson  Maccon,  who  was  badly  beaten  and  compelled 
to  fly  to  Wales. 

There  are  also  two  historic  hills  that  rise  like  cones 
from  the  plain,  namely,  Knockdrumasal,  now  Tory  hill, 
near  Croom,  and  Knockfierna,  around  whose  name  many 
legends  cling. 

Samhain,  n-ow  Knock  Souna,  between  Bruree  and 
Kilmallock,  is  a  hill  of  very  little  importance  in  height, 
but  is  mentioned  here  as  being  the  scene  of  some  battles 
in  ancient  times.  In  the  middle  of  the  sixth  century 
of  the  Christian  era,  the  King  of  Ulster  raided  Munster, 
and  advanced  as  far  as  Knock  Samna  without  opposition. 
Cathal,  King  of  Munster,  happened  to  be  at  the  time  at 
Bruree,  and  when  his  household  arose  in  the  morning 
they  saw  the  enemy  encamped  on  the  hill.  When 
Cathal  discovered  who  they  were  he  immediately  sent 
for  St.  Findchua  of  Brigown,i  to  help  him  in  the  conflict. 
When  the  Saint  arrived  at  Bruree  he  tried  to  make  peace 
between  the  kings,  but  owing  to  the  obstinacy  of  the 
Ulster  king,  his  efforts  were  fruitless.  Findchua  then 
led  the  Munster  forces  against  the  enemy  and  totally 
defeated  them.  The  King  of  Ulidia  and  his  consort 
fell  in  the  battle,  and  were  buried  on  the  hill. 


1  See  St.   Findchua,  Lives  of  Saints,   Book  of    Ltsmore,    Stokes'S- 
Oxford  edition. 


CHAPTER  III. 

INTRODUCTION    OF   CHRISTIANITY. 

St.  Patrick  during  his  missionary  travels  visited  the 
south  of  Ireland.  After  baptizing  Aengus  at  Cashel,  he 
went  westward  through  the  present  diocese  of  Emly, 
and  Kilteely  i  is  the  last  place  mentioned  in  connection 
with  him  before  entering  the  territory  of  Hy  Fidhgente- 
Taking,  then,  that  part  of  the  district  lying  near 
Kilteely  as  a  starting-point,  and  tradition  as  a  guide, 
the  first  traces  of  him  are  to  be  found  at  Donaghmore,^ 
the  name  itself  being  a  standing  memorial  of  his  pre- 
sence. At  Singland,  near  the  city,  a  holy  well  is  pointed 
out  as  sacred  to  his  name,  beside  it  his  rocky  bed,  and  a 
little  further  on  a  graveyard  where  once  stood  a  church 
dedicated  to  him,  not  a  vestige  of  which  now  remains. 

Turning  to  the  south-west  of  the  city  traces  of  him 
are  to  be  found  at  Patrick's  Well.  There  does  not  seem 
to  be  any  tradition  surviving  to  connect  our  Saint  with 
any  locality  between  this  and  Knockpatrick,  overlooking 
Foynes.  Here  there  is  an  old  church,  a  holy  well,  and 
his  chair,  consisting  of  five  rude  stones,  all  treasured  as 
sacred  mementos  of  his  visit. 

Ardagh  is  the  only  place  in  the  south-west  of  the 
county  where   the  tradition  of  his  visit  lives    in    the 

1  See  Tripaytite  Life  of  St.  Patrick,  translated  by  Hennessy.  and 
given  in  Cusack's  life  of  the  Saint  ;  also  Colgan's  edition  of  same  life 
in  the  Trias. 

2  "  The  Irish  word  Domhnach  (Downagh)  which  signifies  a  church 
and  also  Sunday  is  from  the  Latin  Dominica,  the  Lord's  day.  Ac- 
cording to  the  Trip.  Life  all  churches  that  have  the  name  Domhnach, 
or  its  anglicized  form,  Donagh,  were  originally  founded  by  St.  Patrick, 
and  were  so  called  because  he  marked  out  their  foundations  on 
Sunday." — Irish  Names  of  Places  (Joj'ce),  First  Series,  p.  318. 


28  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

memories  of  the  people.  Turning  to  the  east,  there  is 
a  small  enclosure  in  the  southern  slope  of  the  hill  running 
between  Knockaderry  and  Ballingarry,  near  Cloncagh 
church,  where  it  is  said  he  rested  for  a  night.  Near 
Castletown  Conyers  and  in  Howardstown,  near  Bruree, 
there  are  wells  sacred  to  his  name.  In  the  townland  of 
Ardpatrick  his  name  is  wedded  to  the  nomenclature  of 
the  county.  Scarcely  any  of  these  names  are  to  be 
ound  in  the  Tripartite  Life  of  the  Saint,  but  some  of  them 
are  substitutes  for  the  old  names  mentioned  therein. 

We  now  take  the  Tripartite  as  our  guide  over  the 
same  region.  When  St.  Patrick  entered  the  territory  of 
Hy  Fidhgente,  he  was  welcomed  by  the  ruling  chieftain, 
Lonan,  and  entertained  at  a  banquet  on  the  hill  of 
Knockea,  '  over  against  Carn  Feradhaigh  on  the  south.' 
While  the  feast  was  preparing  a  band  of  strollers  came 
to  the  Saint,  and  asked  him  for  some  food.  He  imme- 
diately sent  them  to  Lonan  and  Deacon  Mantan,  who 
were  looking  after  the  preparation  of  the  repast.  Patrick 
feared,  if  they  were  refused,  they  might  spread  unfavour- 
able reports  among  the  people  concerning  him,  which 
might  interfere  with  the  success  of  his  mission.  Lonan 
and  Mantan  refused  to  supply  the  suppliants  with  food. 
Just  at  the  time  a  youth  was  ascending  the  hill  with 
his  mother,  the  latter  carrying  on  her  back  a  cooked 
lamb  for  the  king's  supper.  Patrick  asked  the  youth 
for  the  lamb  which  he  cheerfully  gave,  though  the  mother 
demurred,  fearing  the  wrath  of  the  kmg.  He  then  dis- 
tributed the  meat  among  the  strollers.  When  they  had 
partaken  of  it,  the  earth  opened  and  swallowed  them^ 
and  they  were  seen  no  more.  Patrick  then  informed 
Lonan  that  there  would  not  be  a  king,  heir  apparent, 
or  bishop  of  his  family  for  ever.  He  told  Mantan  that 
his  church  would  not  be  exalted  on  earth,  but  should 
be  the  home  of  the  dregs  of  the  people,  and  that  swine 
and  cattle  would  trample  on  his  remams.     But  Nessan 


INTRODUCTION    OF   CHRISTIANITY.  29 

who  saved  his  honour  should  be  honoured  among  the 
nations.  Patrick  then  baptized  and  ordained  Nessan  a 
deacon,  he  built  a  monastery  at  Mungret,  and  placed 
him  over  it. 

The  situation  of  Knockea  is  to  be  determined  from 
the  position  of  Carn-Feradhaigh  or  Feradhaigh's  sepul- 
chral mound,  which  was  a  well-known  historical  spot, 
and  the  scene  of  many  a  battle,  as  our  annalists  abund- 
antly testify.  There  are  many  conjectures  as  to  the 
locality  where  it  lay.  The  most  reliable  of  our  anti- 
quarians are  of  opinion  that  it  was  situated  in  the  south- 
east of  the  county.  But  in  the  compound  word  Carn- 
Feradhaigh, i  the  F  is  silent,  and  would  be  pronounced 
Carnary  or  Carnarrie,  forms  that  occur  in  official  docu- 
ments down  to  the  Cromwellian  confiscations,  when  it 
is  written  Carnarrie  and  Cahernarry.^  The  latter  form 
of  the  word  has  prevailed  to  our  own  time,  and  obscured 
the  origin  of  the  name.  Cahernarry,  as  it  is  now  written, 
is  a  well-known  hill  and  parish,  about  three  miles  south- 
east of  the  city.  On  its  summit  are  the  remains  of  a 
large  heap  of  stones,  evidently  a  vestige  of  the  ancient 
earn  that  was  raised  over  the  grave  of  Feradhaigh.  In 
the  same  parish,  and  about  half  a  mile  to  the  south, 
is  the  hill  of  Knockea,  answering  exactly  to  the  descrip- 
tion given  in  the  Tripartite.  St.  Patrick  after  leaving 
Knockea,  travelled  towards  the  present  city  of  Limerick, 
spending  some  time  m  the  plam  at  Donaghmore,  where 
he  baptized  and  instructed  the  inhabitants,  and  laid  the 
foundations  of  a  church,  from  which  the  parish  derives 
its  name. 

1  In  all  compound  words,  whether  the  first  word  be  an  adjective 
or  substantive,  the  initial  of  the  second  is  aspirated,  if  of  the  aspirable 
class.  The  initials  of  all  genitives,  singular  of  all  proper  names  of 
men  and  women  are  aspirated,  except  surnames  of  families. — 
O'Donovan's  Irish  Grammar,  p.  56.  At  p.  50  he  says,  F  aspirated 
is  silent  in  every  situation. 

2  See  Abstracts  of  Lands  under  Acts  of  Settlement  and  Explanation 
1 666- 1 684,  p.  109.  Reports  from  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Records, 
Ireland,  i82i-:825. 


30  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

While  in  these  parts  Cairthen,i  gon  of  Blod,  the 
senior  of  the  Clan  Turlogh,  whose  territory  was  at  the 
Clare  side  of  the  Shannon,  came  to  St.  Patrick,  and, 
after  making  a  profession  of  faith,  was  baptized  by  him 
at  Singland.  Here,  too,  he  wrought  a  miracle  in  favour 
of  Cairthen,  by  curing  his  son,  Echu  Ballderg,  from 
some  infirmities  he  was  labouring  under.  The  fame  of 
this  miracle  no  doubt  spread  from  one  tribe  to  another, 
and  mfluenced  the  men  of  North  Munster  to  the  north 
of  Luimnech,  to  come  in  fleets  of  boats  southwards  as 
far  as  Donaghmore  of  Maghaine — that  is  Dun  Nocfene — 
and  he  baptized  them  at  Terryglass,  where  he  was  when 
they  arrived.  He  afterwards  went  to  Finne,  to  the 
north-west  of  Donaghmore,  a  hill  from  which  he  could 
see  the  country  to  the  north  of  the  Luimnech,  and  blessed 
their  land.  Pointing  to  the  green  isle  in  the  west  in 
the  mouth  of  the  sea,  he  said  that  the  lamp  of  the  people 
of  God  should  come  into  it,  who  would  be  the  head  of 
the  council  to  this  district. 

This  event  is  also  recorded  in  the  Life  of  St.  Senan,^ 
and  is  worth  quoting  here,  as  it  helps  to  identify  the 
locality  whence  the  men  of  North  Munster  came,  as 
well  as  the  place  where  they  met  St.  Patrick  : — 

Now  the  chief  prophet  and  the  chief  apostle  whom  God 
sent  to  preach  to  Ireland,  even  St.  Patrick,  prophesied  Senan's 
birth.  For  when  Patrick  was  preaching  to  the  Hy  Fidhgente, 
and  baptizing  them  at  Donaghmore  of  Cinel  Dine,  the  Corco 
Baiscinn  came  with  their  King  Bole,  son  of  Derc,  in  a  great 
sea  fleet  over  Luimnech  from  the  north,  and  they  besought 
Patrick  to  preach  to  them  that  day,  and  baptize  them  at 
once.  ...  St.  Patrick  repeats  the  order  of  baptism  on 
the  river  which  was  near  them,  and  all  the  hosts  were  bap- 
tized  therein.     Patrick   said   to   the   Corco   Baiscinn :    "Is 

1  I  have  here  changed  the  order  of  the  Tripartite  by  placing  the 
"  Baptism  of  Cairthen "  before  "  the  visit  of  the  men  of  North 
Munster,"  as  it  appears  to  be  the  natural  sequence  of  events. 

2  The  Lives  of  the  Saints,  Book  of  Lismore,  Oxford  edition,  pp. 

20I-2. 


INTRODUCTION    OF   CHRISTIANITY.  3 1 

there  a  place  from  whence  your  district  will  be  clear  to  me 
so  that  I  myself  may  descry  it  from  my  seat  and  bless  it 
from  that  spot  ?  "  There  is,  forsooth,  say  they.  "  The 
hill  there  that  is  Fidne."  St.  Patrick  then  went  to  the  top 
of  Fidne,  and  said  to  them  :  "  Is  this  your  district  to  the 
north  of  Luimnech  as  far  as  the  ocean  in  the  west  ?  "  "It 
is,"  say  they.  "  Doth  your  territory,"  said  Patrick,  "reach 
the  mountain  there  in  the  north  even  Sliab  Elbe  in  the  dis- 
trict of  Corcomruod  in  Ninneus  ?"  "  It  reached  not,"  saith 
they.  "  It  shall  reach  before  the  judgment/'  said  Patrick. 
"  Doth  your  territory  reach  the  mountain  there  in  the  east, 
that  is  Echtge  in  the  territory  cf  Desa  ?"  "  It  reached  not," 
saith  they.  "  It  shall  reach  after  a  long  time,"  saith  Patrick. 
.  .  .  Then  Patrick  blessed  the  Corco  Baiscinn  and  said, 
"  Ye  need  me  not  to  go  with  you  into  your  country  for  ye 
have  a  child  in  a  woman's  womb,  and  into  him  your  country 
hath  been  given  by  God.  After  him  shall  ye  be,  and  him 
shall  ye  serve,  and  this  race  of  the  Ui  Fidhgente,  and  the 
island  there  in  the  west  in  front  of  the  sea  that  is  Tniscathaigh, 
is  there  one  dwelHng  in  it?"  "There  is  none,"  say  they, 
"  for  there  is  a  terrible  monster  therein  named  Cathach  who 
■doth  not  allow  it  to  be  inhabited." 

From  both  these  narratives  it  may  be  inferred  that 
the  men  of  North  Munster  were  natives  of  Corca  Baiscinn, 
a  territory  in  the  south-west  of  the  present  county  of 
Clare,  and  originally  comprised  the  baronies  of  Clon- 
derlaw  Moyarta  and  Ibricen.  They  came  southwards 
across  the  Luimnech,  which  was  the  ancient  name  of 
the  Shannon  from  the  city  of  Limerick  to  the  sea,  and 
must  have  landed  somewhere  in  the  vicinity  of  Foynes. 
They  then  proceeded  to  Donaghmore  of  Maghaine,  or 
Cinel  Dine.  It  would  seem  as  if  these  descriptive  epithets 
were  added  on,  to  distinguish  this  Donaghmore  from 
another  in  the  territory.  It  might  have  been  in  the 
district  of  Shanagolden  and  disappeared  during  the 
Danish  wars.  After  preaching  and  baptizing  them  St. 
Patrick  went  to  the  hill  of  Finne  or  Fidhne,  from  which 
he  saw  their  country  and  blessed  it.     From  this  hill  he 


32 


DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 


also  saw  the  Atlantic  ocean  ;  Slieve  Elbe,  the  ancient 
name  of  Slieve  Elva,  in  the  parish  of  Killonaghan,  barony 
of  Burren,  Co.  Clare  ;  Slieve  Echtge,  or  Aughty,  on  the 
frontiers  of  Clare  and  Galway  ;  and  Scattery  Island  in 
the  mouth  of  the  Shannon. 

Knockpatrick,  overlooking  Foynes,  is  the  only  hill  in 
the  territory  from  which  all  these  places  so  far  distant  from 
each  other  could  be  seen  as  St.  Patrick  saw  them.    In  the 
metricali  life   of  St.   Senan,  this  event  is  said  to   have 
taken  place  while  St.  Patrick  was  in  Hy  Conaill.     Foynes 
seems  to  be  a  modern   form  of  the  ancient   Finne   or 
Fidhne.     In  the  Rental  of  Conaill  it  is  written  Foynd, 
and  in  Peyton's  Survey  there  is  a  wood  called  Kyllfoyne 
in  the  locality.     Tradition  points  the  route  St.  Patrick 
followed  from   Knockpatrick,   namely,   through  Ardagh 
and  Knockaderry,  to  the  east  of  the  county.     Here,  in 
the  southern  part  of  Desibeg,  which  apparently  he  visited 
for  the  first  time,  he  laid  the  foundations  of  a  church  on 
a  hill  now  known  as  Ardpatrick.     While  engaged  in  the 
blessed  work  he  was  opposed  by  the  ruling  chief,  who 
after  a  little  persuasion,  consented  to  allow  the  Saint  to 
finish  the  church,  provided  he  would  remove  the  moun- 
tain   called   Cen-Abhrat,    that    intercepted   the   view  of 
Lough   Limga,   in   the   barony   of   Fermoy.     When   St. 
Patrick  caused  the  mountain   to   dissolve   and   formed 
the  pass  called  Belach  Legtha  (or  Melted  Pass),  Derball 
the  chieftain  became  more  obdurate,  declaring  that  he 
would    not   believe,   no  matter  what  the  Saint  might 
accomplish. 

After  spending  a  considerable  time  in  the  territory 
baptizing  and  teaching  the  people,  he  went  to  evangelize 
other  districts,  leaving  behind  him  well-trained  mis- 
sionaries, as  was  his  custom,  to  organize  and  minister 
to  the  spiritual  wants  of  the  newly-formed  Christian 
community. 

1  Colgan,   Acta  Sanctorum  Hiberniae,  8th  March. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

THE   MONASTIC  FOUNDATIONS. 
MUNGRET. 


MuNGRET  is  the  oldest  and,  perhaps,  the  most  celebrated 
of  the  monastic  schools  that  sprang  up  in  the  territory 
under  the  benign  influence  of  Christianity.  It  was 
situated  on  a  rising  eminence  overlooking  the  Shannon, 


MUNGRET    CELTIC    CHURCH. 

about  three  miles  south-west  of  the  city.  The  place 
where  it  stood  is  now  marked  by  the  ruins  of  three 
ancient  churches.  The  oldest  of  these  venerable  relics 
of  antiquity  is  the  one  on  the  roadside.  Its  style  of 
architecture  is  that  which  was  prevalent  in  Ireland 
during  the  tenth  century.  It  measures  inside  about 
41  feet  in  length  and  23  in  breadth  ;  the  walls  are  in  a 


34  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

fair  state  of  preservation,  being  repaired  some  years  ago 
by  the  Board  of  Works.  The  side  walls  are  2  feet  10 
inches  in  thickness,  14  feet  in  height,  and  built  of  good 
stones,  cemented  with  excellent  mortar.  The  gables  are 
remarkably  high  and  sharp  pointed,  the  doorway  is  in 
the  western  gable,  after  the  fashion  of  the  Irish  churches 
It  is  6  feet  8  inches  in  height ;  at  bottom  3  feet  7  inches 
in  width,  at  the  top  3  feet  4  inches,  and  it  is  covered 
with  a  lintel  7  feet  10  inches  in  length,  i  foot  4  inches  in 
depth,  extending  i  foot  9  inches  into  the  thickness  of 
the  wall.  There  were  two  windows  in  the  south  side, 
both,  however,  now  filled  up,  but  the  round  head  of  one 
is  still  visible.  In  the  eastern  gable  there  is  a  rude 
round-headed  window,  about  10  feet  from  the  ground. 

A  little  ti  the  south  of  this  building  are  the  ruins 
of  another  small  church,  about  14  feet  wide  in  the  inside. 
The  length  cannot  now  be  determined,  as  the  western 
gable  has  long  since  disappeared,  and  in  its  place  a 
modern  wall  has  been  erected.  The  walls  are  built  of 
large  square  stones  cemented  with  mortar,  and  are  about 
2  feet  6  inches  in  thickness.  This  ruin  is  considered  to 
be  of  later  date  than  the  one  already  described.  The 
remaining  church  belongs  to  the  Anglo-Norman  period, 
where  it  will  be  noticed. 

Very  little  is  known  about  St.  Nessan  after  establish- 
ing his  monastery,  except  what  can  be  gleaned  from 
incidental  allusions  in  the  lives  of  some  of  his  holy 
contemporaries. 

St.  Cuimen  of  Down  says  that  he  never  told  a  lie 
out  of  his  mouth  : — 

Nessan  the  holy  deacon, 
Angelic  pure  devotion, 
Never  came  outside  his  teeth 
What  was  untrue  or  guileful. 

By  another  authority  he  is  compared  to  Laurentius 
the  deacon,  in  his  habits  of  life.     It  is  stated  that  on  one 


THE    MONASTIC    FOUNDATIONS.  35 

occasion  he  paid  a  visit  to  St.  Ailbe  of  Emly.i  to  know 
whether  a  monk  should  receive  or  reject  the  offerings  of 
the  faithful.  When  Nessan  arrived  at  the  monastery 
it  was  the  hour  of  None,  and  the  community  were  chant- 
ing the  office  in  the  church.  Nessan  declined  to  go 
into  the  guest-house  until  he  should  see  Ailbe  and  put 
him  the  question.  Ailbe,  however,  continued  in  prayer 
from  the  hour  of  None  until  Tierce  the  next  day,  and 
no  one  went  into  him  except  the  guest-master.  At 
length  he  gave  an  answer  to  Nessan.  "  Go,"  said  he, 
"  and  tell  Nessan  this  verse  : — 

Gifts  of  God  are  not  to  be  refused 
(But)  possession  is  not  to  be  retained  of  them 
If  they  are  offered  you  shall  accept  them, 
But  you  shall  not  boast  (of)  you  shall  not  conceal  (them)."  ^ 
He  is  classed  among  the  second  order  of  Irish  saints, 
and  never  aspired  to  a  higher  rank  in  the  Church  than 
that  of  deacon.     He  had  a  great  reputation  for  learning 
and  sanctity.     Cummian   Foda,   in  his  Paschal  epistle, 
refers  to  him  as  one  of  the  Fathers  of  the  Irish  Church. 
He  died  on  25th  July,  a.d.  551. 

Dr.  Lanigan3  is  of  opinion  that  the  statements  re- 
garding our  Saint's  connection  with  St.  Patrick  cannot 
be  true,  as  Nessan,  according  to  that,  would  be  140 
years  old  when  he  died.  But  when  it  is  remembered 
that  the  learned  Doctor  fixed  the  death  of  St.  Patrick 
at  the  year  465,  instead  of  493,  the  more  probable 
date,  the  difficulty  disappears. 

The  history  of  the  monastery  from  Nessan's  death 
to  its  dissolution  is  very  meagre,  consisting  chiefly  of 
short  entries,  broken  lights,  to  show  that  it  still  flourished. 
The  following  are  the  principal  events  that  occur  in  the 
Annals  relating  to  it. 

1  Life  of  St.  Ailbe,  A.  S.  Hib.  ex  Codice  Salmanticcnsi,  p.  21:7. 

2  See  Most  Rev.  Dr.  Healy's  lyeland's  Schools  and  Scholars,  p.  508, 

3  See  Dr.,  now  Cardinal  Morau's  Essays  on  the  Early  Irish  Church, 
chap,  iv.,  p.  46. 


36  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

A.D.  752.  Bodhghal,  son  of  Fergal,  Abbot  of  Mungret 
was  killed. 

A.D.  762.    Ailill,  son  ofCreevaghan,  Abbot  of  Mungret,  died. 

A.D.  820.     Mungret  destroyed  and  plundered  by  the  Danes. 

A.D.  834.     Mungret  plundered  by  the  Danes. 

A.D.  840.     Again  burned  and  wasted  by  the  Danes. 

A.D.  843.     Again  burned  and  wasted  by  the  Danes. 

A.D.  903.  Cormac  MacCullenan,  Archbishop  of  Cashel 
and  King  of  Munster,  did  by  his  last  will  bequeath  to  the 
Abbey  three  ounces  of  gold,  an  embroidered  vestment,  and 
his  blessing. 

A.D.  909.     Mulcashel  Abbot,  died. 

A.D.  993.  Muirgheas,  son  of  Muireadach,  Abbot  of 
Mungret,  died. 

Reachan,    son   of  Dunchad   Erenach,   died. 
Caicher,  son  of  Maenach,  Abbot  of  Mungret, 

NiaL   son  of  Deargan  Erenach,  died. 
Died,  Art  O'Donoghoe  Erenach,  of  the  Abbey 

Con  O'Mulpatrick  Erenach  of  Mungret  and 
Dysert  Enos,  died. 

A.D.  1070.  Casey,  son  of  Carbury,  Abbot  of  Mungret, 
head  of  the  clergy  of  Munster,  died. 

A.D.  1080.     The  Abbey  suffered  much  this  year  from  fire. 

A.D.  1088.  Donal  McLoughlain,  with  the  forces  of  Ulster, 
destroyed  this  Abbey. 

A.D.  1 100.  Con,  son  of  Gillaboy,  Abbot  of  Mungret,  a 
wise  Doctor,  head  of  the  clergy  of  Ireland,  died. 

A.D.  1102.  On  the  5th  of  October,  died,  at  this  Abbey, 
the  blessed  Mugron  O'Morgair,  principal  professor  of  Divinity 
of  Armagh,  and  of  all  the  West  of  Europe.  He  was  father 
of  Malachy,  Archbishop  of  Armagh. 

A.D.  1107.     Mungret  plundered  by   Murtagh   O'Brien. 

A.D.  1 134.  The  Chronicon  Scotoritm  says  a  shower  of  hail- 
stones fell  which  destroyed  everything  on  which  it  fell  from 
Mungret  to  Limerick  ;  each  of  them  was  the  size  of  an  apple. 
A.D.  1837.     An  old  Irish  bell  was  dug  up  at  Loughmore 


A.D. 

994. 

A.D. 

1006. 

died. 

A.D. 

IOI4. 

A.D. 

1028. 

of  Mun 

gret. 

A.D. 

1033- 

THE    MONASTIC    FOUNDATIONS.  37 

beside  the  abbey.  It  was  of  very  rude  workmanship,  and 
composed  of  mixed  metal  hammered  and  riveted  together, 
but  much  corroded  by  time.  A  drawing  of  it  may  be  seen 
in  the  Dubhn  Penny  Journal. 

In  early  times  there  were  six  churches  attached  to  this 
monastery  and  1,500  monks  in  its  cloisters  ;  of  these  one- 
third  were  preachers,  one-third  were  constantly  engaged  in 
celebrating  the  Divine  Office,  and  the  remaining  third  were 
employed  in  the  schools  or  labouring  for  the  community. 

According  to  tradition  the  learning  of  the  Mungret 
women  was  proverbial,  as  we  learn  from  the  following 
story  which  has  come  down  to  us.  A  controversy  arose 
between  Mungret  and  a  neighbouring  school  as  to  which 
of  them  were  the  most  learned.  It  was  agreed  that  the 
most  scholarly  of  both  parties  should  meet  at  Mungret 
on  a  given  day,  and  hold  a  public  disputation.  As  the 
time  drew  near  the  Mungret  scholars,  to  make  sure  of 
victory,  had  recourse  to  stratagem. 

A  number  of  them,   dressed  as  women,   went  to   a 
neighbouring  stream,   and  began  washing  clothes  at   a 
point  where  they  were  sure  to  meet  their  rivals  coming 
to  the  monastery.     They  were  not  long  engaged  at  the 
work  when  the  strangers  came  and  accosted  the  washer- 
women in  the  vernacular,  but  they  were  answered  in  Latin 
and  Greek.     The  visitors  were  greatly  surprised  to  find 
that    the    washerwomen    of    the    locality    showed    such 
familiarity  with  the  classic  languages,  and  enquired  how 
they  came  to  be  so  well  instructed.     "  Oh,"  said  they, 
"'  everybody  about  here  speaks  Latin  and  Greek,  mere 
crumbs  from  the  monks'  table.     Would  you  like  to  have 
a  talk  about  philosophy  and  theology  with  us  ?  "     When 
the  visitors  saw  such  learning  displayed  by  the  women, 
they  naturally  concluded  that  the  monks  would  have 
an  easy  victory  over  them.     To  avoid  defeat  they  pru- 
dently returned  home,  leaving  the  victory  to  the  "  wise 
women  of  Mungret."  ^ 

1  See  interesting  essay  "  Mungret  Abbey,"  Journal,  R.S.A.I.,  18S9. 


38 


DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK 


Inis  Cathaigh. 
When  the  men  of  Corca  Baiscinn  i  had  received  the 
sacrament  of  Baptism,  and  felt  the  joy  of  God's  grace 
in  their  hearts,  they  earnestly  implored  St.  Patrick  to 
cross  the  Shannon  with  them,  and  communicate  the 
same  blessings  to  their  wives  and  children.  He  declined 
the  invitation,  as  he  could  not  leave  the  Hy  Fidhgente 
until  they  were  more  fully  instructed  and  provided  with 
churches  and  good  pastors.     Being  filled  at  the  same  time 


INIS    CATHAIGH. 


with  the  spirit  of  prophecy,  he  said  there  was  no  need 
that  he  should  visit  their  country  in  person,  since  God 
had  already  provided  an  illustrious  and  beloved  patron, 
who  in  the  course  of  time  would  be  born  among  them. 
His  name  would  be  Senan.  He  would  not  alone  be  a 
patron  to  them,  but  also  to  the  Hy  Fidhgente,  and 
after  his  own  departure,  by  the  grace  of  God,  Senan 
would   be    their    bishop.     Senan   was    born    about    the 

1  Colgan,  A.  S.  Hib.  Secunda  Vita  S.  Senani.  I  mav  remark 
that  the  page  is  marked  612,  but  it  should  be  530;  also  O'Hanlon, 
I.ivei  of  Irish  Saints,  8th  March,  vol.  iii. 


THE    MONASTIC    FOUNDATIONS.  39 

year  488  of  noble  and  Christian  parents,  named  Ercan 
and  Comgella,  at  Magh  Lacha,  about  four  miles  north- 
east of  Kilrush,  where  a  lake  and  ancient  church  still 
bear  his  name. 

From  his  childhood  he  was  remarkable  for  great  self- 
denial,  and  the  practice  of  every  virtue.  His  father, 
Ercan,  though  of  noble  birth  was  still  a  subject,  and 
bound  to  send  his  son  in  the  hostings  of  the  chief.  This 
was  much  against  the  will  of  the  holy  youth,  who  loved 
a  quiet  and  retired  life  rather  than  that  of  a  soldier. 
He  had,  however,  to  join  his  clansmen  in  an  expedition 
against  the  neighbouring  territory  of  Corcomroe.  Instead 
of  taking  part  in  the  pillage  he  hid  himself  in  a  stack  of 
corn,  where  he  fell  asleep  and  was  discovered  by  the 
enemy  after  his  clansmen  had  retired.  They  were 
attracted  to  the  place  by  a  bright  light  that  shone 
round  it. 

When  found  he  immediately  acknowledged  that  he 
was  one  of  the  invading  army.  But  his  manner  and 
the  wonderful  circumstances  just  mentioned  convinced 
the  men  that  the  boy  was  a  friend  of  heaven,  and  enraged 
though  they  were,  they  allowed  him  to  depart  in  peace. 

Some  years  after  this  occurrence,  owing  to  a  singular 
manifestation  of  Providence  in  his  favour,  Senan  resolved 
to  quit  the  world,  and  devote  the  remainder  of  his  life 
to  the  service  of  God. 

Accordingly,  he  placed  himself  under  a  holy  abbot 
named  Cassidan,  that  resided  in  the  western  part  of 
his  native  territory.  Here  he  went  through  his  earlier 
studies  and  religious  exercises  until  he  received  the 
monastic  habit.  He  then  betook  himself  to  the  school 
of  St.  Natahs,  Abbot  of  Kilmanagh,  in  Ossory.  During 
his  sojourn  in  this  retreat  he  worked  many  miracles, 
which  showed  that  in  the  designs  of  Providence  he  was 
destined  to  fill  a  higher  office  than  that  of  an  ordinary 
monk.     After  leaving  this  abode  of  sanctity  he  travelled 


40  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

to  Rome  and  Tours.  On  his  way  home  he  paid  a  visit 
to  St.  David  of  Menevia,  with  whom  he  formed  a  Hfe- 
long  friendship.  From  the  fact  of  St.  David  presenting 
him  with  a  crozier  it  is  conjectured  that  Senan  became 
a  bishop  during  his  wanderings  abroad. 

On  his  return  to  Ireland  he  landed  at  the  great  island 
in  Cork  harbour,  proceeded  thence  to  Iniscarra  on  the 
river  Lee,  where  he  founded  a  monastery,  and  placed 
one  of  his  disciples  over  this  new  foundation,  leaving 
himself  free  to  continue  his  missionary  labours  elsewhere. 

We  next  find  him  settled  in  an  island  on  the  Shannon, 
called  Inisluinghe,  where  he  built  a  church.  While  here 
two  daughters  of  Brendan,  chieftain  of  Hy  Fidhgente, 
came  to  him,  and  consecrated  themselves  to  God  by 
religious  vows.  They  are  styled  the  first  fruits  of  the 
Eoghanachts  of  Gabhra  that  he  consecrated  to  the  service 
of  God.  After  their  religious  profession  he  bestowed 
great  care  in  properly  instructing  them  in  monastic  dis- 
cipline. He  then  removed  to  another  island,  supposed 
to  be  Deer  Island  at  the  mouth  of  the  Fergus,  where  he 
established  a  religious  community. 

After  founding  many  such  houses  he  finahy  selected 
Inis  Cathaigh  (Scattery  Island)  as  a  permanent  home 
for  the  remaining  years  of  his  life. 

A  fierce  monster  kept  possession  of  the  island  pre- 
venting man  or  beast  from  living  in  it.  Nothing  daunted, 
Senan  landed,  and  after  a  brisk  encounter  succeeded  in 
driving  this  ferocious  beast  from  the  island. 

When  Mactail,  the  ruler  of  the  Hy  Fidhgente,  who 
was  still  a  pagan  and  a  cruel  tyrant  as  his  actions  show, 
heard  that  the  monster  was  destroyed,  he  immediately 
claimed  the  island  as  part  of  his  territory,  and  ordered 
the  Saint  to  leave  at  once.  Senan  refused  to  obey  such 
a  peremptory  command.  Mactail,  to  punish  the  Saint, 
ordered  some  of  his  soldiers,  together  with  two  of  Senan's 
brothers,   to  proceed   to  the   island   and   eject  him   by 


THE    MONASTIC    FOUNDATIONS„  4I 

force.  They  failed  to  execute  the  order.  Mactail  then 
employed  his  druid,  and  finally  came  himself  to  the 
island,  wickedly  declaring  that  he  cared  no  more  for 
Senan  and  his  God,  than  he  did  for  a  shorn  sheep.  Next 
day,  still  intent  on  his  wicked  purpose,  as  he  was  passing 
the  confines  of  a  wood  a  shorn  sheep  frightened  his 
chariot  horses,  who  took  flight,  overturning  the  chariot, 
and  killing  Mactail  on  the  spot. 

Ciaran  of  Clonmacnois,  and  Brendan  of  Birr,  paid 
a  visit  to  Inis  Cathaigh,  and  made  Senan  their  confessor. 
When  they  arrived  at  the  monastery  there  was  a  scarcity 
of  food,  which  was  soon  supplied  by  Nectan  Kennfhoda, 
prince  of  Hy  Fidhgente,  who  brought  a  boatful  of  pro- 
visions to  the  island.  The  Saints  met  him  on  the  shore, 
and  after  a  hearty  welcome  they  blessed  him  and  his 
posterity. 

Senan  lived  during  the  time  of  the  second  order  of 
Irish  Saints,  and  strictly  observed  the  rule  forbidding 
women  to  enter  the  enclosure  of  the  monastery. 

St.  Cannera,  a  native  of  Bantry,  feeling  her  end 
approaching,  wished  to  receive  the  Holy  Viaticum  from 
Senan,  and  a  grave  in  the  island,  in  consequence  of  a 
vision  she  had.  When  she  came  near  the  island  her 
landing  was  opposed  by  the  Saint  as  contrary  to  rule, 
but  she  was  advised  to  go  to  his  mother,  who  lived  near, 
where  she  would  be  hospitably  received.  Cannera,  how- 
ever, succeded,  after  some  persuasion,  in  effecting  her 
purpose.  After  receiving  the  last  Sacraments,  she  ex- 
pired, and  was  buried  near  the  sea  shore,  where  her 
grave  is  still  pointed  out. 

After  a  life  of  prayer  and  penance  our  Saint  was 
returning  from  a  visit  to  the  relics  of  St.  Cassidan,  his 
old  preceptor,  when  he  felt  death  coming  upon  him.  He 
turned  aside  to  a  convent  of  nuns  called  Killeochaille, 
where  he  died  the  death  of  the  just,  on  the  ist  of  March, 
about  the  year  544,  though  his  feast  is  kept  on  the  8th. 


42  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

Next  day  his  remains  were  removed  to  Iniscathy.  His 
obsequies  were  attended  by  a  great  number  of  bishops 
and  clergy,  and  lasted  for  eight  days. 


Senan's  Episcopacy. 

As  already  stated  St.  Patrick  foretold  that  Senan 
would  be  Bishop  i  of  Corca  Baiscinn  and  Hy  Fidhgente 
in  years  to  come.  This  prophecy  is  recorded  in  the  lives 
of  both  Saints.  It  may  be  objected  to  as  an  interpola- 
tion of  after  ages,  when  these  lives  were  remodelled  as 
some  critics  assert.  If  so,  it  only  proves  that  the  Abbot 
of  Inis  Cathaigh  then  exercised  jurisdiction  over  these 
territories,  and  perhaps  was  given  as  an  explanation  of 
how  it  originated.  Either  view  tells  in  favour  of  Inis 
Cathaigh.  A  good  deal  of  evidence  may  be  adduced  to 
show  that  Senan  and  his  successors  were  the  spiritual 
rulers  of  Hy  Fidhgente. 

The  religious  reception  of  the  daughters  of  Brendan, 
ruler  of  this  territory,  is  the  first  episcopal  act  recorded 
of  him  after  returning  to  Ireland.  He  acquired  a  per- 
manent settlement  in  Scattery,  an  island  belonging  to 
the  same  territory.  When  Ciaran  and  Brendan  visited 
Senan  there  was  a  scarcity  of  food  in  the  monastery, 
which  was  supplied  by  the  ruling  chieftain  of  Hy  Fidh- 
gente. If  we  divest  this  occurrence  of  the  extraordinary 
circumstances  related  in  the  life  of  Senan,  the  chieftain 
appears  to  have  only  discharged  an  obligation  imposed 
by  Brehon  law.'- 

The  biographer  of  St.  Ita  mentions  that  she  was 
adopted  Patroness  3  of  Hy  Connail ;  he  is  careful,  however, 
to  add  that  Senan  was  also  Patron  of  the  same  district. 

iColgan,  Vita  Secunda. — Trip.  Life  of  St.  Patrick. 

■^Ancient  Laws  of  Ireland,  vol.  iii.,  pp.  liii.  and  30-35. 

3"Tu  (Ita)  enim  patrona  gentis  Hua  Conaill  eris  quae  gens  tibi 
et  S.  Senano  data  est  a  Domino."  An  angel  is  supposed  to  have 
spoken  this  to  St.  Ita.— See  Colgan,  15  Jan.,  chap.  vi. 


THE    MONASTIC    FOUNDATIONS.  45 

The  organization  of  the  Irish  Church  was  modelled 
on  the  tribal  system,  and  the  land  set  aside  for  the 
maintenance  of  the  Church  was  vested  in  the  Patron 
and  his  successors,  which  placed  him  at  the  head  of  an 
artificiai  clan  within  the  tribe.  As  time  went  on  the 
spiritual  and  temporal  sway  of  the  territory  became 
vested  in  the  successor  of  the  Patron. 

Flaherty,  Abbot  of  Scattery,  was  chief  councillor  to 
Cormac  MacCuillenan,  and  after  that  king-bishop's  death 
he  became  King  of  Munster.  According  to  the  laws  of 
the  country,  he  must  have  had  some  secular  standing  to 
elevate  him  to  such  a  position  besides  being  Abbot  of 
Iniscathy.  The  only  Eugenian  tribe  that  he  seems  to 
be  connected  with  was  the  Hy  Fidhgente,  and  that 
owing  to  the  office  he  held  in  the  monastery  of 
Iniscathy. 

This  monastery  was  an  episcopal  foundation,  and  the 
successors  of  Senan  that  are  mentioned  in  the  Annals, 
namely,  Odran,  who  flourished  in  a.d.  580,  and  Aidan, 
who  died  in  a.d.  651,  are  styled  bishops,  as  the  religious 
communities  endeavoured  to  have  a  superior  as  like  as 
possible  to  the  founder.  In  the  same  way  the  monas- 
teries that  were  founded  by  priests  usually  had  the 
abbot  of  the  same  ecclesiastical  rank,  though,  occasion- 
ally owing  to  the  rules  governing  the  election  and  the 
confusion  of  the  times,  the  idea  could  not  always  be 
carried  out.  During  the  Danish  wars  Iniscathy  suffered 
severely,  and  the  election  of  a  superior  must  oftentimes 
have  been  accomplished  under  great  difficulties.  Hence, 
in  861,  there  is  mention  of  another  Aidan  as  Abbot,  the 
title  by  which  the  heads  of  this  religious  house  were 
known  during  the  tenth  century.  They  may  have  been 
bishops  also.  But  when  peace  was  restored  after  the 
subjection  of  the  Danes,  any  of  the  superiors  that  are 
mentioned  in  our  Annals  down  to  the  final  suppression 
of  the  see  are  called  bishops. 


44 


DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 


CILLEEDV    CHURCI 


Killccdy. 


In  the  western  angle  of  the  great  plain  south  of 
Newcastle  West  once  stood  the  flourishing  monastery  of 
St.  Ita,i  "  the  white  sun  of  the  women  of  Munster."  She 
was  born  in  the  Desi  territory,  which  was  situated  in  the 
present  county  of  Waterford,  and  perhaps  at  Rossmide, 
where  she  is  still  venerated. 

Her  father  was  of  noble  origin,  being  descended  from 
Felim  the  Lawgiver,  at  one  time  monarch  of  Erin.  The 
exact  date  of  her  birth  has  not  been  ascertained,  but 
judging  from  the  fact  that  she  was  foster-mother  of  St. 
Brendan,  it  must  have  taken  place  about  a.d.  470, 
or  earlier. 

Her  Christian  name  was  Dorothea, 2  but  owing  to 
her  great  thirst  for  heavenly  things,  it  was  changed  by 


iFi7aS/.7/a,  15th  Jan.     Colgan,  J.S.7/.    O'Hanlon,  vol. 
2  Colgan,  A.S.H.,  p.  72. 


15  Jc 


THE    MONASTIC   FOUNDATIONS.  45 

one  of  her  disciples  into  Ita.i  By  this  and  its  various 
forms,  Ida,  Ide,  Mide,2  she  was  known  in  her  own  and 
succeeding  ages.  The  variations  in  the  name  are  thus 
explained.  Where  the  ancient  writers  use  t  the  modern 
use  d,  hence  the  change  of  Ite  into  Ide.  When  a  saint 
was  held  in  special  veneration  by  the  people  they  pre- 
fixed the  monosyllable  mo,  signifying  "  my  "  as  a  term 
of  endearment,  which  is  well  illustrated  in  the  word 
Kilmeedy,  meaning  the  "  church  of  My  Ite." 

From  the  baptismal  font,  our  Saint  was  full  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  her  modesty  and  reserve  was  the  theme  of 
every  tongue.  Even  in  those  tender  years  she  observed 
the  fasts  prescribed  by  the  Church.  When  she  spoke 
all  were  edified  with  the  purity  and  innocence  of  her 
conversation,  which  always  savoured  of  virtue  and  was 
a  discouragement  to  vice.  In  this  manner  she  spent 
the  days  of  her  youth,  in  her  father's  house  a  burning 
and  a  shining  light  to  all  who  were  blessed  with  her 
acquaintance. 

Having  arrived  at  that  time  of  life  when  it  was 
necessary  to  select  a  permanent  station  in  life,  she  ex- 
pressed a  wish  to  become  a  nun,  and  earnestly  besought 
her  mother  to  obtain  permission  from  her  father  to 
embrace  that  state.  He  was  very  much  opposed  to 
the  idea  of  his  daughter  becoming  a  religious,  especially 
as  a  neighbouring  young  chief  sought  her  in  marriage 
and  an  alliance  of  that  kind  was  not  to  be  despised  in 
those  primitive  times,  when  the  sword  was  mightier  than 
the  pen. 

The  mother  and  some  influential  friends  again  en- 
treated the  father  to  give  her  permission  to  follow  her 
"vocation,  but  this  had  only  the  effect  of  making  hin? 
more  obdurate.     Ita,  hearing  that  all  the  appeals  were 

1  The  Irish   word   Ita  denotes  thirst.     Colgan,    Vita    St.  Ita    note 
(3).  P-  71. 

2  Colgan.  Vita  St.  Ita,  notes  (2)  and  (3),  p.  71. 


46  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

fruitless,  calmly  said  to  those  around  her,  "  Leave  my 
father  alone,  and  you  will  see  though  he  now  refuses 
later  on  he  will  persuade  and  even  command  me,  because 
our  Divine  Lord  will  compel  him  to  leave  me  go  wherever 
I  please  to  serve  God."  She  then  fasted  three  days 
and  three  nights,  and  during  the  time  she  was  constantly 
assailed  by  the  enemy  of  mankind  whom  she  resisted 
with  calmness  and  fortitude.  The  third  night  the 
father  was  admonished  in  his  sleep  to  allow  his 
daughter  to  select  the  state  of  life  she  was  so  desirous  of 
embracing. 

Next  day  the  father  consented  to  have  her  become  a 
nun,  and  go  where  she  pleased  to  serve  God.  Matters 
being  now  satisfactorily  arranged,  she  retired  to  a  neigh- 
bouring church  where  she  consecrated  her  life  to  the 
service  of  her  Creator.  Having  obtained  the  wish  of 
her  heart,  she  earnestly  prayed  that  God  might  direct 
her  to  the  place  where  she  might  best  serve  Him.  In 
answer  to  her  prayer,  she  was  directed  to  settle  down  in 
Cluain  Credhuil,  now  known  as  Killeedy,  in  the  western 
part  of  Hy  Conaill,  beneath  the  shadow  of  theLuachra 
mountains. 

When  the  chieftain  of  the  territory  heard  that  such 
a  great  saint  had  come  to  live  in  the  locality,  he  went 
with  a  multitude  of  his  subjects  to  welcome  the  holy 
virgin.  As  a  mark  of  esteem,  he  presented  her  with  a 
large  tract  of  land  adjoining  the  monastery.  Not  wishing 
to  be  too  much  engrossed  with  worldly  affairs,  she 
refused  to  accept  more  than  a  few  acres,  which  would 
serve  as  a  garden  to  supply  the  wants  of  her  community. 

A  number  of  maidens  from  the  surrounding  district 
immediately  placed  themselves  under  her  spiritual  guid- 
ance, and  became  members  of  her  convent. 

Another  instance  of  our  Saint's  disregard  for  worldly 
wealth  may  be  mentioned  here.  A  rich  man  brought 
to  the  monastery  a  large  sum  of  money  which  he  pressed 


THE   MONASTIC   FOUNDATIONS. 


47 


Ita  to  accept,  but  she  refused.  While  speaking  to  the 
man  she  happened  to  touch  the  money,  and  at  once 
called  lor  water  to  wash  the  hand  that  was  soiled  by  its 
contact  with  corruptible  silver. 

She  practised  great  austerities,  often  passing  four 
days  without  food.     Cumin  of  Down  says  : — 

Mide  loved  great  nursing, 
Great   humility   without   ambition  ; 
Her  cheek  on  the  pillow  she  never  laid 
For  the  love  of  the  Lord. 

Many  miracles  of  an  extraordinary  kind  are  attri- 
buted to  her.  She  was  endowed  with  the  gift  of  pro- 
phecy, with  a  knowledge  of  people  she  had  never  seen, 
and  of  distant  and  secret  occurrences.  When  Colum- 
banus,  a  Leinster  bishop,  was  on  his  way  to  visit  her 
monastery  without  giving  any  previous  warning,  Ita 
ordered  an  entertainment  to  be  got  ready  for  him.  When 
he  arrived  she  sent  for  his  episcopal  blessing  before  she 
could  have  known  'in  an  ordinary  way  that  he  was  a 
bishop. 

She  had  a  knowledge  of  things  that  took  place  in 
the  other  world,  a  remarkable  instance  of  which  is  thus 
related.  Her  uncle,  who  dwelt  in  the  Desi  territory, 
died.  Ita  sent  for  his  sons,  and  when  they  waited  on 
her,  she  said  to  them  :  "  Your  father,  who  was  my  uncle, 
is  now,  alas  !  suffering  in  Purgatory,  i  and  the  nature  of 

'  The  Latin  for  this  phrase  is  in  the  text  of  her  life  in  Colgan, 
"  heu    nobis  in  poenis  infernahbus  pro  commissis  suis  torqnetur." 

The  phrase,  "  infernal  pains,"  affords  a  very  strong  proof  of 
the  antiquity  of  this  Life,  whereas  for  many  centuries  back,  the 
Western  Church  has,  instead  of  it,  generally  expressed  such  pains 
by  the  name  of  Purgatory.  A  similar  phrase  is  still  retained  in  one 
of  the  prayers  of  the  Mass  for  the  dead,  "Libera  Domine  animas 
omnium  fideliuni  defunctorum  de  poenis  inferui  et  de  profundo  lacu," 
etc.  I  need  not  tell  the  reader  that  the  'infernus  '  or  'infernahbus  '  in 
the  now  quoted  passages  does  not  refer  to  the  hell  of  the  damned 
out  of  which  the  Church  never  expected  any  deliverance.  This 
manner  of  speaking  was  used  in  consequence  of  an  opinion  held  by 


48  DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 

his  sufferings  has  been  revealed  to  me.  I  therefore 
desire  each  of  you  to  give  alms  for  the  repose  of  his  soul 
and  return  to  me  at  the  end  of  a  year."  When  they 
returned  at  the  appointed  time  she  informed  them  that 
their  father  was  partly  relieved  from  his  torments,  and 
she  again  exhorted  them  to  spend  another  year  doing 
good  works  for  the  same  purpose.  When  they  visited 
her  at  the  expiration  of  that  time,  she  informed  them 
that  their  father  was  released  from  his  pains,  and  already 
in  the  enjoyment  of  eternal  rest. 

She  went  on  one  occasion  in  disguise  to  the  monastery 
of  Clonmacnoise,  to  receive  the  Body  and  Blood  ot 
Christ,  1  from  a  very  holy  priest.  When  it  became  known 
that  she  had  been  there,  the  priest,  who  immolated  the 
Host  she  had  received,  immediately  set  out  with  some 
companions  to  visit  our  Saint  at  Killeedy.  While  they 
were  on  the  journey  one  of  the  party  lost  his  sight,  but 
on  their  arrival  at  the  monastery  it  was  instantly  re- 
stored through  the  intercession  of  St.  Ita. 

She  asked  the  same  priest  to  sing  Mass  2  in  her  pre- 
sence, and  when  he  had  finished,  she  ordered  the  vestment 
he  wore  while  immolating  should  be  given  to  him  as  a 


many  theologians,  that  not  only  the  devils  and  the  damned,  but 
likewise  the  souls  in  a  state  of  purgation  are  confined  in  subterraneous 
regions.  Yet  with  this  difference,  that  the  former  are  kept  in  its 
lowermost  cr  deepest  parts,  while  the  place  for  the  latter  though 
contiguous  to  it  is  supposed  to  be  Ijigher  up.  (See  Bellarmm.  De 
Purgatorio,  lib.  ii.,  cap.  vi.)  But  as  this  place  was  considered  as 
under  the  earth,  the  name  'infernus,'  which  signifies  a  lower  region 
or  tract,  was  often  applied  to  it,  in  the  same  manner  as  it  hasil*!>n 
used  also  for  the  grave.  Tertullian  alluding  to  a  soul  which. would 
at  last  be  removed  to  heaven,  writes  {Lib.  de  Anima,  cap.  xvu.),  "  in 
carcerem  te  mandet  infernum  unde  non  dimittaris  nisi  modico  quoqiie 
delicto  mora  resurrectionis  expenso."  Lanigan,  Ec.  H.  Ireland,  vol.  u., 
p.  86,  note  (11). 

1  ■'  Rogavit  Beata  Ita  Deum  ut  manu  digni  sacerdotis  corpus  et 
sanguinem  Christi  acceperet  ...  ad  civitatem  Cluainmicnois 
et  accepit  de  manu  digni  sacerdotis  Corpus  et  sanguinem  Domni  sicut 
ipsa  voluit  "  (text,  Colgan).  This  shows  the  behef  of  the  early  Iri& 
Church  in  the  Catholic  dogma  of  the  real  presence  of  the  body  and 
blood,   soul  and  divinity  of  Jesus  Christ  in  the  Blessed  Eucharist. 

^  "  Ut  missam  canare  ante  se." 


THE    MONASTIC    FOUNDATIONS.  49 

present.  At  first  he  refused  to  accept,  saying  that  the 
abbot  forbade  him  to  take  anything  except  her  blessing. 
Then  she  told  the  priest  some  circumstances  that  were 
to  be  related  to  the  abbot  when  they  returned,  and  that 
he  would  not  be  displeased,  but  would  accept  the  present 
with  joy.  She  was  held  in  high  esteem  by  a  great 
number  of  saints  who  were  her  contemporaries,  and  was 
often  visited  by  them. 

According  to  the  Annals  of  the  Four  Masters,  many 
of  the  Corcoiche  were  slain  at  the  battle  of  Cuilne, 
in  A.D.  546,  through  the  prayers  of  St.  Ita. 

It  is  related  in  her  life  that  the  sept  in  whose  tuath 
she  resided  came  to  the  monastery,  and  asked  her  prayers 
and  blessing  before  going  to  battle  against  a  great  army 
that  was  preparing  to  invade  their  territory.  Having 
received  the  blessing  and  a  promise  of  her  prayers  for 
their  success,  they  went  forth  with  great  confidence, 
and  having  encountered  the  enemy  they  defeated  them 
with  great  slaughter.  Evidently  this  is  the  same  as  the 
one  mentioned  in  the  Annals.  If  so,  it  was  the  sept  of 
Cleanglass  that  invoked  her  prayers,  the  enemy  were 
the  neighbouring  sept  of  the  Corcoide,  perhaps  reinforced 
by  some  battalions  from  West  Munster,  and  the  battle- 
field must  have  been  the  present  Cullina,  a  townland 
beside  Newcastle  West,  which  was  in  ancient  times  a 
part  of  the  Corcoide  t|iath. 

After  a  long  life  of  self-denial  and  good  works,  one 
day  Ita  called  her  Sisters  together,  and  told  them  that 
her  end  was  approaching.  Soon  after  she  was  seized 
with  her  last  illness,  and  on  her  death-bed  invoked  a 
blessing  on  the  clergy  and  people  of  Hy  Conaill,  who 
adopted  her  as  their  Patroness.  She  died  on  the  15th 
of  January,  a.d.  570. 

A  great  multitude  assemMed  round  her  remains,  and 
many  rniracles  took  place  on  the  occasion,  giving  testi- 
mony to  the  great  sanctity  for  which  she  was  remarkable 


50  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

through  life.  After  a  solemn  requiem  Mass  she  was  laid 
to  rest  in  her  own  church.  Her  life,  as  published  by 
Colgan,  is  a  document  of  the  seventh  century,  and  is  very 
valuable  for  the  light  it  throws  on  the  doctrine  and 
practice  of  the  early  Irish  Church,  as  there  is  special 
mention  made  of  the  Real  Presence  i  in  the  Blessed 
Eucharist,  Purgatory,  the  sacrament  of  Penance,  and 
Holy  Mass. 

Ita  was  not  only  a  great  saint,  but  the  nursing  mother 
of  great  saints,  whose  lives  are  an  ornament  to  the  land 
of  their  birth. 

They  were  Brendan,  Pulcherius,  and  Cummian  Foda, 
who  was  brought  up  in  the  monastery  after  her  death. 
A  short  sketch  of  their  lives  will  be  inserted  here  owing 
to  their  close  connection  with  St.  Ita  and  her  religious 
establishment. 


Brendan. 

Brendan  the  Voyager,  2  as  he  is  frequently  called,  to 
distinguish  him  from  Brendan  of  Birr,  was  born  about 
the  year  484,  on  the  sea  coast  to  the  west  of  Tralee. 
His  parents  were  noble,  and  were  Christians.  At  the 
time  of  his  birth  they  were  living  under  the  spiritual 
jurisdiction  of  Bishop  Ere.  When  Brendan  was  born 
this  good  bishop  baptized  him  at  Wedder's  Well,  which 
has  given  its  name  to  the  townland  of  Tibbrid,  near 
Ardfert,  and  is  still  regarded  as  a  holy  well  by  the  people 
of  North  Kerry  and  West  Limerick,  by  whom  it  is  much 
frequented. 

When  he  was  a  year  old  he  was  taken  by  Bishop 
Ere    and  placed  under   the  fostering   care   of   St.    Ita, 

1  See  preceding  notes  for  Blessed  Eucharist,  Holy  Mass,  Purgatory. 
For  Penance  see  Colgan's  life,  A.S.H.,  chap,  xxvii.,  p.  70  and  note. 

2  See  Father  O'Donogbue's  Brendaniana. 


THE  MONASTIC   FOUNDATIONS.  5l 

where  he  remained  for  five  ^.'ears.  Then  he  passed 
under  the  care  of  Ere,  with  whom  he  remained  until  he 
reached  the  age  of  manhood,  spending  his  time  acquiring 
knowledge  and  sanctity. 

With  the  consent  of  his  master,  and  the  blessing  and 
advice  of  his  foster-mother  Ita,  he  went  to  see  how 
some  of  the  holy  fathers  of  Erin  lived. 

He  travelled  to  Connaught,  and  spent  some  time 
under  St.  Jarlath.  He  next  went  to  Roscommon,  where 
it  is  said  he  wrote  his  rule  at  the  dictation  of  an  angel. 
Having  visited  the  most  renowned  schools  of  Ireland, 
he  returned  to  Tralee,  and  was  ordained  priest  by  his 
old  master.  Ere. 

Influenced  by  the  spirit  of  the  age,  he  built  a  cell, 
and  founded  a  religious  community.  But  the  most 
remarkable  event  in  connection  with  Brendan  was  his 
voyage  in  the  Atlantic  ocean.  It  is  said  that  he  wandered 
seven  years  in  that  great  ocean,  and  that  he  reached 
America,  a  land  of  delight  and  wonders  as  it  is  depicted 
in  his  biographies.  After  his  return  the  news  of  his 
voyage  and  discoveries  made  him  famous.  He  again 
visited  not  only  the  great  schools  of  Erin,  but  those  of 
Wales  and  Brittany.  Finally,  he  settled  down  at  Clon- 
fert,  on  the  western  bank  of  the  Shannon,  where  he  was 
soon  surrounded  by  a  multitude  of  disciples.  He  died 
while  on  a  visit  to  his  sister's  convent  at  Annaghdown, 
on  the  shore  of  Lough  Corrib,  in  the  ninety-fourth  year 
of  his  age. 

St.  Pulchcrius.'^ 

Owing  to  some  political  disturbances  in  Connaught, 
Boen,  a  very  worthy  man,  sought  refuge  in  Munster, 
to  avoid  the  malice  of  his  enemies.     He  found  a  home 

1  Colgan's  A.S.H.,  t 3th  March.  Also  O'Hanlon's Lives  of  the  Irish 
Saints,  vol,  iii. 


52  DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 

in  the  tuath  of  Corcoide,  near  the  monastery  of  St.  Ita. 
where  he  was  employed  as  an  artificer  in  wood  and  stone. 
Here  he  became  acquainted  with  St.  Ita's  sister,  Nessa, 
whom  he  married  with  St.  Ita's  approval.  About  a.d. 
550,  a  son  was  bom  to  them,  and  at  baptism  received 
the  name  of  Coemghin  (Kevin,  beautiful  offspring),  which 
was  changed  into  Mochoemog  (My  Kevin)  by  St.  Ita. 
He  is  now  known  as  Pulcherius,  the  Latin  equivalent. 
In  his  infancy  he  was  nursed  at  the  monastery  like 
St.  Brendan,  where  he  was  trained  up  in  the  practice 
of  every  virtue  until  he  reached  his  twentieth  year. 
Then  he  left  Killeedy  to  perfect  himself  in  ecclesiastical 
science  at  the  great  school  of  Bangor,  under  St.  Comgal. 

Here  Pulcherius  distinguished  himself  so  much  by  his 
learning  and  piety  that  Comgal  advised  him  to  found 
a  monastery  wherever  the  Lord  should  direct  him. 
After  completing  his  studies  at  this  famous  seat  of 
learning,  he  returned  to  Munster,  where  he  was  intro- 
duced to  the  chieftain  of  Ely  O'Carrol,  who  gave  him  a 
site  for  a  monastery  in  his  territory. 

He  selected  a  lonesome  spot  in  a  thick  forest  called 
Leithmore  (great  grey  spots),  now  known  as  Leamo- 
kevoge,  four  miles  from  Thurles,  in  the  parish  of  Four- 
mile-Borris,  where  the  ruins  of  his  church  (580)  are  still 
to  be  seen.  When  it  became  known  that  Pulcherius 
had  selected  this  particular  place  as  his  residence  a 
great  number  of  disciples  flocked  round  him.  The  pious 
chieftain  that  gave  the  site  of  the  monastery  soon  died, 
and  was  succeeded  by  a  ruler  who  was  hostile  to  Pul- 
cherius. He  carried  his  enmity  so  far  as  to  attempt  to 
expel  the  Saint  from  his  district  whicli  Providence, 
however,  prevented  him  from  doing. 

Several  miracles  are  attributed  to  him.  He  had 
the  celebrated  Dagan  at  one  time  as  his  pupil.  He  was 
very  intimate  with  St.  Molua,  who  was  of  the  same  sept, 
and  with    many   other  holy   men    who   lived    near  his 


THE    MONASTIC   FOUNDATIONS.  ^3 

Tiionastery.  According  to  the  Chronicon  Scotorum,  he 
died  on  the  13th  March,  648,  which  is  regarded  as  the 
correct  date. 

St.  Cummian  Foda. 

Ciimmian  Foda  (tall),  the  most  learned  scholar  of  the 
Irish  Church  in  the  seventh  century,  also  received  his 
early  training  at  St.  Ita's  monastery.  1  He  was  the  son 
of  Fiachna,  King  of  West  Munster,  and  shortly  after  his 
birth  was  exposed  in  a  small  cummian,  or  basket,  near 
the  monastery.  When  the  nuns  found  the  child  thus 
abandoned  they  took  him  under  their  care,  and  called 
him  Cummian,  as  he  was  found  in  a  basket. 

After  spending  his  youth  at  Killeedy,  he  went  to  the 
great  school  at  Cork,  founded  by  St.  Finnbarr.  He  took 
a  leading  part  in  the  Paschal  question,  and  wrote  an 
epistle  of  great  learning  in  favour  of  the  new  method  of 
computing  Easter  time,  which  he  addressed  to  the  Abbot 
of  lona.  This  remarkable  letter  not  alone  shows  the 
great  scholarship  of  the  author,  but  also  the  high  standard 
of  efficiency  that  the  Irish  schools  had  reached  at  this 
period. 

In  after  years  he  become  Abbot-Bishop  of  Clonfert, 
which  was  founded  by  his  distinguished  countryman, 
St.  Brendan.  He  died  a.d.  661,2  ^^  ^^g  ^ge  of  seventy- 
two  years,  in  his  native  Kerry,  and  was  taken  up  the 
Shannon  in  a  boat  to  be  interred  at  Clonfert,  as  the 
following  poem  testifies  : — 

The  I.iiimneach  did  not  bear  on  its   bosom  of  the   race  of 

Munster  into  Leath  Chuinn 
A  corpse  in  a  boat  so  precious  as  he,  as  Cuimmine,  son  of 

Fiachna, 

1  See  Ireland's  Schools  and  Scholars,  p.  228,  by  Most  Rev.  Dr. 
Healy,  Archbishop  of  Tuain. 

2  Anns.  Four  Masters  under  that  year  661. 


54  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

If  anyone  went  across   the  sea,  to   sojourn  at  the   seat  of 

Gregory  (Rome), 
If  from  Ireland,  he  requires  no  more  than  the  mention  ol 

Cummine  Foda  ; 
I  sorrow  after  Cummine,  from  the  day  his  shrine  was  covered 
My  eyehds  have  been  drooping  tears  ;  I  have  not  laughed, 

but  mourned  since  the  lamentation  at  his  barque. 

St.  Ita's  monastery,  like  St.  Brigit's  of  Kildare, 
seems  to  have  had  a  community  of  men  in  close  proxi- 
mity to  the  convent,  as  the  death  of  Cathasach  (Casey) 
Abbot  of  Killita,  is  recordedi  as  having  taken  place  in 
A.D.  8io,  and  that  of  Abbot  Finnacha  in  a.d.   833. 

It  was  repeatedl}^  plundered  and  burned,  like  all 
similar  institutions,  during  the  Danish  invasions.  The 
church  is  the  only  remnant  of  the  numerous  buildings 
that  must  have  composed  the  ancient  monastery.  It 
consists  of  a  nave  and  choir,  the  one  is  47  feet  3  inches 
in  length,  and  29  feet  2  inches  in  breadth  in  the  inside  ;. 
the  other  is  27  feet  by  18. 

The  choir  was  modernized  and  fitted  up  as  a  Pro- 
testant church  and  used  as  such,  until  about  the  be- 
ginning of  the  last  century,  when  it  was  burned  down 
by  the  Whiteboys.  The  nave  is  in  the  primitive  Irish 
style,  and  in  all  probability  a  part  of  the  ancient  church 
of  St.  Ita.  The  west  gable  is  levelled  wdth  the  ground. 
O'Donovan  states  that  when  he  visited  the  place  he  met 
some  people  who  saw  part  of  it  standing,  and  who  described 
the  doorway  as  having  been  constructed  of  concentric 
arches.  The  side  walls  of  the  nave  are  3  feet  thick,  and 
built  of  large  stones  well  cemented  with  mortar. 

The  choir  arch  is  in  a  good  state  of  preservation, 
but  contains  no  feature  of  the  ancient  work.  The  grave 
of  St.  Ita  is  pointed  out  at  the  Epistle  side  of  the  church, 
where  the  nave  and  choir-arch  walls  meet.     In  summer 

^A>ins.  Four  Masters. 


THE    MONASTIC    FOUNDATIONS.  55 

the  place  is  strewn  with  flowers — votive-offerings  of  the 
pious  pilgrims  at  the  shrine  of  their  beloved  Patroness. 
It  is  much  frequented  by  married  women,  who  cultivate 
a  special  devotion  to  the  Saint,  and  before  leaving  the 
church,  perform  a  peculiar  ceremony. 

About  four  miles  south-west  of  Killeedy,  on  the 
northern  slope  of  a  hill  called  Seeconglass,  there  is  an  oval- 
shaped  enclosure,  containing  about  an  acre  of  land.  It 
was  originally  surrounded  by  a  dry  wall  of  the  cyclopean 
style  of  architecture  the  debris  of  which  are  still  there,  and 
just  inside  the  entrance  the  foundation  of  a  small  build- 
ing is  visible.  Boolaveeda  or  Ita's  dairy,  is  the  name 
it  is  called  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  locality.  Tradition 
says  that  the  milk  that  was  used  in  the  convent  was 
brought  every  day  from  this  dairy  by  a  donkey.  One 
day,  as  the  poor  beast  was  passing  through  the  town!  and 
of  Tournafulla  with  his  accustomed  burden,  a  cruel- 
hearted  native  attacked  him  with  dogs.  The  donkey, 
flying  from  his  pursuers,  jumped  across  the  river  that 
flows  by  the  townland,  leaving  the  impress  of  his  hoofs 
on  a  ledge  of  rock  which  is  still  pointed  out.  When  St. 
Ita  saw  the  donkey  on  his  arrival,  all  torn  and  bleeding, 
in  her  anger  she  cursed  the  place  where  the  outrage  was 
committed. 

In  the  taxation  rolls  of  a.d.  1306,  there  is  a  chapel 
called  De  Monte  Maledictionis,  or  the  "  Chapel  of  the 
Mountain  of  the  Curse,"  which  is  mentioned  as  belonging 
to  the  church  of  Killeedy.  In  the  townland  of  Tour- 
nafulla, the  site  of  an  old  church  is  still  pointed  out, 
evidently  the  place  where  the  above  chapel  was  built, 
as  there  is  no  other  locality  in  that  part  of  the  country 
having  such  a  tradition.  If  anyone  is  so  sceptical  as 
to  doubt  the  truth  of  this  story,  he  must  at  least  admit 
that  it  has  an  antique  setting. 

Many  centuries  have  gone  by  since  St.  Ita  flourished  ; 
yet  the  principal  events  of  her  life  are  fresh  and  green  in 


56  DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 

the  memories  of  the  present  inhabitants  of  the  plain 
once  sanctified  by  her  presence.  In  the  dark  days  of 
persecution  they  met  on  the  mountain  side  and  in  the 
glen  to  keep  her  festival.  Now  they  meet  in  the  broad 
daylight,  on  the  eve  of  the  Feast,  in  the  parochial  church, 
where  the  neighbouring  clergy  assemble  to  hear  con- 
fessions. Next  morning  young  and  old  receive  Holy 
Communion.  Later  in  the  day  High  Mass  is  celebrated, 
at  which  a  panegyric  of  the  vSaint  is  preached  by  a  special 
preacher.  When  the  service  in  the  church  is  over,  the 
whole  congregation,  headed  by  the  parish  priest,  visit 
the  grave  of  St.  Ita,  where  they  renew  their  devotions. 
Then  the  assembly  engage  in  friendly  chat,  and  as  the 
day  draws  to  a  close  they  disperse  in  groups  to  their 
respective  homes,  happy  and  contented. 

In  answer  to  a  petition  from  Dr.  Butler,  late  Bishop 
of  the  diocese,  the  Holy  See  granted  a  special  Office  and 
Mass  in  honour  of  the  Saint.  In  nearly  every  family 
in  the  west  of  the  county  there  is  some  female  member 
called  after  her,  the  most  enduring  way  of  keeping  alive 
her  name  and  good  works  among  the  people. 

She  has  been  specially  venerated  in  the  city  of  late 
years,  and  a  beautiful  statue  has  been  erected  in  St. 
Michael's  Church  to  perpetuate  her  memory. 

As  a  child  of  the  plain,  may  I  say  with  St.  Brendan  : — 

Oh  !  Ita,  mother  of  my  heart  and  mind, 
My  nourisher,  my  fosterer,  my  friend. 

St.  Molua. 

Molua,!  another  great  saint  of  the  Corcoide  territory, 
and  contemporary  of  Pulcherius,  was  born  in  the  year 
554.     His  father,  Carthach,  was  of  a  distinguished  family, 

1  See  Lives  of  Saints  in  A.S.H.  ex  Codice  Salmauticensi.  Printed 
at  the  expense  of  John  Marquis  of  Bute,  1888.  Blackwood,  Edin- 
burg.     Also  O'Hanlon,  vol.  viii.,   3rd  August. 


THE    MONASTIC    FOUNDATIONS.  57 

and  his  mother,  Sochla,  was  a  native  of  Ossory.  At  the 
baptismal  font  he  received  the  name  of  Lua,  Latinized 
Lugidus.  In  his  childhood  days  he  gave  promise  of  that 
great  holiness,  for  which  he  became  so  remarkable  in 
after  years. 

When  Comgal,  Abbot  of  Bangor,  visited  Munster, 
he  became  acquainted  with  Lua,  who  was  then  a  mere 
youth.  Being  greatly  struck  with  the  appearance  and 
unostentatious  piety  of  the  child,  with  the  consent  of 
the  parents,  he  took  him  to  Bangor,  where  he  remained 
many  years  acquiring  learning  and  virtue.  When  Lua 
reached  the  age  of  manhood  he  embraced  the  clerical 
state,  and  so  great  was  his  reputation  for  sanctity  that 
Comgal  made  him  his  confessor.  After  a  time  the  Abbot 
recommended  him  to  form  a  community  for  himself, 
and  nourish  the  servants  of  the  Lord. 

Accordingly,  he  returned  to  his  native  territory  with 
the  intention  of  founding  a  monastery,  but  Feolan,  the 
dynast  of  the  place,  advised  him  not  to  remain  in  his 
own  country.  Acting  on  this  suggestion,  he  went  to 
Mount  Bladhma  (Slieve  Bloom)  where]  his  maternal 
relations  resided.  Here  he  founded  a  monastery  which 
is  now  called  Kyle,  the  ruins  of  which  are  not  far  from 
Borris-in-Ossory,  in  the  parish  of  Offerlin,  Queen's  County. 
The  situation,  like  all  the  old  monastic  sites,  commands 
a  beautiful  prospect  over  the  rich  valleys  of  the  Nore 
and  Suir. 

After  putting  this  foundation  on  a  permanent  basis, 
Molua  returned  with  many  disciples  to  Hy  Fidhgente, 
where  he  founded  many  monasteries,  and  where  his  name 
still  lives  as  Patron  of  two  holy  wells — one  at  Ardagh, 
near  Newcastle  West,  the  other  at  Emlygrenan,  in  the 
east  of  the  county. 

Many  instances  are  given  of  his  dealings  with  those 
placed  under  him,  which  show  that  his  rule  and  manner, 
though  severe,  were  tempered  with  gentleness  and  mercy. 


58  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

He  was  very  intimate  with  the  leading  saints  of  his  time. 
St.  Eimen  of  New  Ross,  who  hailed  from  his  own  country, 
often  visited  him.  St.  Canice  was  also  a  great  friend  of 
our  Saint,  and  he  was  confessor  to  other  distinguished 
holy  men,  such  as 

David  across  the  tranquil  sea. 

And  to  Maedhog,  and  Mochamhog,  and  to  Comgal.  ^ 

He  wrote  a  rule  for  the  guidance  of  his  disciples, 
which  St.  Dagan  took  to  Rome.  It  was  presented  to 
St.  Gregory  the  Great,  who  after  reading  it  said  in  pre- 
sence of  his  court  :  "  The  Saint  who  composed  this  rule 
hath  drawn  a  hedge  round  his  family  which  reaches  to 
heaven."  This  remarkable  rule  is  now  lost,  but  we 
are  informed  that  it  divided  the  day  into  three  parts, 
one  devoted  to  prayer,  another  to  reading  or  study,  and 
the  third  to  manual  labour.  There  was  a  special  clause 
excluding  women  from  the  enclosure,  which  indeed  was 
a  characteristic  of  all  the  saints  of  the  second  order. 

When  Molua  felt  that  his  end  was  near  at  hand,  he 
paid  a  visit  to  St.  Dagan,  who  informed  our  Saint  that 
his  successor  would  be  Latan.  Soon  after  he  went  to 
see  St.  Cronan,  who  lived  near  Roscrea,  at  Sean  Ross, 
near  the  lake  now  known  in  its  dried-up  form  as  Mona 
Hincha,  where  he  received  Holy  Communion.  Imme- 
diately he  left  for  his  own  monastery,  but  growing  weary 
on  the  journey  he  rested  somewhere  on  the  eastern  side 
of  the  bog  extending  from  Roscrea  to  Clonfert  Molua. 
Here  his  last  sickness  came  upon  him,  and  Stellan,  his 
companion,  at  once  administered  to  him  the  last  Sacra- 
ments after  which  Molua's  pure  spirit  passed  out  of  this 
world  to  join  the  "  family  of  Heaven."  His  death  took 
place  in  the  year  608. 

When  the  corpse  was  taken  to  a  neighbouring  cell, 

'  Alartyology  of  Donegal,  3rd  August. 


THE    MONASTIC    FOUNDATIONS.  59 

a  contention  arose  between  the  Munster  and  Leinster 
men,  as  to  which  province  the  body  belonged.  It  was 
decided,  however,  that  the  body  belonged  to  Leinster. 
whither  it  was  carried,  and  interred  in  a  specially- 
prepared  tomb,    amid   the   deep   and  universal  sorrow. 

Many  miracles  are  recorded  as  having  been  per- 
formed by  Molua,  notably  when  his  corpse  was  lying  in 
state.  St.  Munchin  visited  the  cell  to  which  Molua 
was  taken,  and  when  he  touched  the  coffin  the  sight  of 
one  of  his  eyes,  which  had  been  lost,  was  immediately 
restored. 

Cummian  Foda  mentions  Lua  among  the  fathers  of 
the  Irish  Church  in  his  Paschal  epistle.  He  is  also 
mentioned  as  one  of  the  second  order  of  Irish  saints. 

Cumin  of  Down  says  : — 

Molua  the  fully  miraculous,  loves 
Humility  noble  pure, 

The  will  of  his  tutor,  the  will  of  his  parents, 
The  will  of  all,  and  weeping  for  his  sins. 

I  have  not  been  able  to  identify  the  localities  where 
the  following  saints  were  venerated  : — 

January  15.— Aitche,  Patron  of  Cill  Aitche,  in  the 
diocese  and  county  of  Limerick,  barony  of  Kenry.  A 
holiday  and  station  there.  1 

July  20.— Cuirbin  the  Pious,  in  Ui  Fidhgente,  in 
Munster.  2 

October  6.— Sineach,  daughter  of  Fergna  of  Cruachan 
Magh-Abhna,  in  Caenraighe  (Kenry).  She  was  of  the 
race  of  Eoghan  Mor,  son  of  OilioU  Olum.  At  page  423 
she  is  called  Finnseach,  Virgin  of  Cruchan  of  Magh  Abhna, 
and  her  feast  is  entered  at  November  9.^ 

1  Mart,  of  Donegal,  p.  361. 

2  Ibid. 

3  Ibid. 


■60  DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 

Internal  Arrangement  of  the  Monasteries.'^ 

Having  now  dealt  with  those  monasteries  whose 
history  has  come  down  to  us,  we  proceed  to  give  a 
sketch  of  their  internal  arrangement. 

The  monastic  buildings  were  surrounded  with  a 
strong  rampart  like  the  forts  of  the  district,  and  was  of 
stone  or  earth,  according  to  the  abundance  of  either 
material.  The  church  was  the  principal  building  within 
the  enclosure,  beside  it  stood  another  edifice  which  served 
as  a  sacristy  for  keeping  the  sacred  utensils  of  the 
church.  The  abbot's  house  was  a  short  distance  from  the 
church,  and  the  monks  of  the  community  lived  in  separate 
cells,  in  convenient  places  within  the  ramparts.  These 
huts  were  sometimes  built  of  stone,  had  one  entrance, 
and  no  window.  They  measured  about  ii  feet  in  dia- 
meter and  7  in  height,  oftentimes  they  were  built  of 
wood  or  wicker-work,  which  constituted  better  material 
for  a  comfortable  dwelling  than  stone.  The  monks  slept 
generally  on  the  bare  ground,  on  a  skin,  but  in  some  of 
the  monasteries  they  had  beds  of  a  very  inferior  kind. 

The  refectory  where  the  monks  assembled  for  meals, 
and  the  kitchen  which  stood  near  it,  were  also  inside 
the  enclosure.  Probably  the  smithy  and  carpenter's 
shop  were  there  also.  Another  very  important  building 
in  connection  with  the  monastery  was  the  hospice,  where 
strangers  were  hospitably  entertained,  but  this  was 
generally  outside  the  rampart,  as  was  the  stone  house 
for  provisions  and  the  mill  for  grinding  the  corn.  Such 
were  the  different  buddings  that  composed  an  ancient 
Irish  monastery. 

The  abbot,  who  was  the  principal  superior,  lived 
apart  from  the  other  monks,  and  was  waited  on  by  one 
or  more  brothers. 

'  See  Reeves'  Adamnan,  p.  339,  A.S.  Publications,  also  Most 
Rev.  Dr.   Healy's  Ireland's  Schools  and  Scholars,  chap,    vii.,   p.  144. 


THE    MONASTIC    FOUNDATIONS.  6r 

He  frequently  had  many  religious  houses  under  his 
jurisdiction,  but  usually  resided  in  the  mother  house, 
while  the  others  were  governed  by  priors  whom  he 
occasionally  visited. 

When  the  abbot  was  only  a  priest,  a  bishop  resided 
in  the  community  who  performed  the  function  apper- 
taining to  his  office,  but  as  a  member  of  the  community 
was  subject  to  the  abbot.  The  monastic  family  em- 
braced priests,  deacons,  inferior  clergy,  and  lay  brothers, 
all  yielding  the  strictest  obedience  to  the  abbot.  The 
members  had  all  things  in  common,  as  they  embraced 
holy  poverty  for  the  love  of  their  Divine  Master,  whom 
they  endeavoured  so  zealously  to  imitate. 

Chastity  was  one  of  their  characteristic  virtues, 
which  they  stictly  guarded,  and  care  was  taken  to 
exclude  women  from  entering  the  enclosure  except  in 
very  exceptional  circumstances. 

They  observed  silence  in  their  ordinary  duties,  and 
when  they  mixed  in  conversation  it  was  with  the  greatest 
reserve.  Humility,  a  virtue  so  necessary  for  the  recluse, 
was  specially  enforced,  as  the  opposite  vice  of  spiritual 
pride  is  particularly  dangerous  to  religious  communities. 

They  were  very  abstemious  in  the  use  of  food,  which 
was  of  the  simplest  kind.  Their  clothing  consisted  of  a 
habit  of  coarse  undyed  wool,  with  a  hood  ;  sometimes 
they  wore  underneath  a  short  garment.  In  the  monas- 
tery they  went  generally  barefoot,  but  v/hen  going  on 
a  journey  they  were  allowed  the  luxury  of  sandals.  The 
time  that  elapsed  between  the  religious  exercises  was 
spent  in  reading,  writing,  and  manual  labour. 

Holy  Wells. 

In  ancient  Ireland,  as  well  as  in  other  countries, 
well-worship  was  ver}''  common  before  the  introduction 
of  Christianity.     St.  Patrick  blessed  many  of  these  foun- 


62  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

tains,  and  utilized  them  for  the  baptism  of  his  converts. 
During  his  stay  beside  them  the  simple  faith  of  many  a 
convert  was  the  means  of  curing  some  bodily  ailment 
from  which  he  suffered,  as  in  the  case  of  the  Prince  of 
Thomond,  already  related.  There  are  a  great  number 
of  such  wells  in  the  diocese  which  perpetuate  the  memory 
of  saints  who  are  otherwise  unknown,  except  from  the 
bare  mention  of  their  names  in  the  Martyrologies. 

These  wells  are  to  be  found  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
ruined  monasteries  and  churches  scattered  over  the 
diocese,  and  bear  the  names  of  the  holy  men  and  women 
who  used  them  in  times  long  gone  by  for  the  altar, 
baptism,  and  other  holy  offices.  The  monasteries  and 
churches  have  long  since  been  deserted,  but  these  spots 
that  were  hallowed  by  their  founders'  footsteps  are 
still  frequented  by  the  people  as  befitting  places  to 
invoke  the  aid  of  the  saints  of  their  race  who  are  now 
before  the  throne  of  God. 

The  principal  wells  that  are  still  frequented,  as  far 
as  I  can  discover,  are  here  set  down.  Some  of  them 
will  be  referred  to  later  on  when  treating  of  the  churches 
to  which  they  belong. 

St.  Patrick's,  or  Pennywell,  is  situated  near  the 
city,  and  much  frequented  by  the  citizens.  Some  re- 
markable cures  have  taken  place  at  this  well  in  recent 
years.  Its  water  is  brought  to  invalids  who  rarely 
drink  any  other  beverage  during  their  illness,  such  is 
their  simple  faith  in  the  intercession  of  its  Patron,  St. 
Patrick.  A.  beautiful  grotto  was  erected  over  this 
well  in  the  year  1904,  by  the  exertions  of  the  Rev. 
Cornelius  Conway,  P.P.,  St.  Patrick's,  his  curate.  Rev. 
David  O'Carroll,  and  some  pious  laymen. 

Lickadoon,  a  holy  well. 

Cahernarry,  a  holy  well,  dedicated  to  St.  Senan. 

Killmurry,  a  holy  well  dedicated  to  St.  Mary  Magdalen. 

Kilbreedy  Major,  a  holy  well  dedicated  to  St.  Brigid. 


THE    MONASTIC   FOUNDATIONS.  63 

Emlygrenan,  a  holy  well  dedicated  to  St.  Molua. 

Ballymacshanboy,  Tobur  rig  na  Domhnaigh  (the  Well 
of  the  King  of  Sunday). 

Athlacca.  In  the  south-west  of  Tullerboy  there  is 
a  httle  church  called  Kill  Bruaine,  and  a  well  called 
Bruaine's  Well. 

Rathkeale,  at  Ballyallinan  Castle,  a  holy  weh  dedi- 
cated to  St.  Bernard. 

Nantenan,  St.  James's  Well,  in  Ardgoul. 

Kilcoleman  West,  Colman's  Well. 

Ardagh,  St.  Molua's  Weh. 

Shanagolden,  St.  Senan's  Well. 

Knockpatrick,  St.  Patrick's  W^eh. 

Loughih,  St.  Colmog's  Weh. 

Castlemahon,  about  a  mile  east  of  the  village,  there 
is  a  holy  well  dedicated  to  St.  John  the  Baptist. 

Clonelty,  Ita's  Weh  in  Lisenaska. 

Cloncagh,  St.  Patrick's  Well. 

Monagea.  In  the  townland  of  Ballyshane,  there  is  a 
beautiful  well  called  Banbhan,  and  much  frequented  by 
pilgrims.  There  is  a  Banbhan  mentioned  in  the  Mar- 
tyrologies^  at  the  ist  of  ]May.  He  was  of  the  same  race 
as  St.  Ita,  and  probably  the  patron  of  this  well.  There 
is  another  Banbhan  called  the  "wise,"  at  the  9th  May. 

St.  Mary's  WeU  at  Rathcahih,  the  feast  of  whose 
patronage  is  still  kept  on  the  15th  of  August,  when  all 
the  country-side  visit  the  weU  after  last  Mass  at  the 
parochial  church.  The  well  is  on  the  roadside  surrounded 
by  a  high  wall. 

St.  Brigid's,  Shangarry. 

There  are  two  other  wells  in  the  Templeglantine  part 
of  the  parish. 

Abbeyleafe — KiUenagh.  To  what  saint  this  well  is 
dedicated  I   am  unable  to  say,   but  the  Rev.  William 

1  See  Mart,  of  Donegal,  A.S.  Publication. 


64  DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 

Casey,  P.P.,  informed  me  that  the  old  people  used  to 
say  it  was  to  St.  Ita. 

Corcomohide.  St.  Gobinet's  Well,  in  townland  of 
the  same  name.  Here  until  recently  a  cattle  fair  used  to 
be  held  every  nth  February,  the  feast  of  the  Saint, 
when  many  came  to  pay  rounds,  and  invoke  St.  Gobinet 
or  Deborah,  as  she  is  called  here.  There  is  no  church 
or  ruin  near  the  well.  It  may  be  of  interest  to  relate 
that  close  to  the  well  there  is  a  fort  called  the  "  boys' 
fort,"  on  which  whoever  stood  on  Gobinet's  day  would 
be  married  during  the  coming  year.  The  fort  has  been 
levelled  by  a  road  contractor,  who  carted  away  the 
most  of  it  for  road  metal.  During  the  process  a  large 
quantity  of  human  bones  were  discovered  which  showed 
that  it  was  formerly  a  burial  ground  ;  perhaps  also  it- 
was  the  site  of  a  church. 


CHAPTER  V. 

THE    DANES    IN    HY    FIDHGENTE. 

Towards  the  close  of  the  eighth  century  a  new  and 
formidable  foe  to  Irish  social  and  religious  independence 
appeared  on  the  Irish  seas.  They  were  the  Danes,  and 
natives  of  the  countries  bordering  on  the  west  of  the 
Baltic.  At  first  their  raids  were  intermittent,  and  prin- 
cipally confined  to  the  seaboard.  When  they  became 
more  familiar  with  the  coast,  they  effected  permanent 
settlements,  and  making  those  the  basis  of  operation, 
they  plundered  and  burned  the  country.  Finally,  they 
endeavoured  to  gain  complete  mastery  over  its  inhabi- 
tants. The  struggle  continued  for  well  nigh  two  cen- 
turies, and  eventually  ended  in  the  political  suppression 
of  the  foreigners,  leaving  the  Irish  though  victorious, 
very  weak  and  disorganized,  and  thus  paving  the  way 
for  another  and  more  formidable  foe,  whose  yoke  is  felt 
even  unto  this  day. 

Though  the  Danes  ^  made  their  first  attack  on  holy 
Ireland  as  early  as  the  year  795,  they  do  not  appear  to 
have  advanced  far  into  the  country  until  between  the 
years  825  and  835,  when  they  divided  themselves  into 
small  parties,  and  simultaneously  landed  in  different 
parts  of  the  country.  It  was  during  these  raids  that 
they  first  visited  the  County  Limerick,  and  plundered 


1  The  works  consulted  regarding  the  Danes  in  this  volume  are 
principally  The  War  of  the  Gacdhill  ivith  the  Gaill,  edited  by  Dr.  Todd 
(Rolls'  Series).  It  has  a  good  index  which  obviates  special  reference. 
See  also  a  very  full  and  interesting  essay,  "  The  Northmen  of 
Limerick,"  by  the  Rev.  Timothy  Lee,  P.P.,  Croom,  in  Journal,  Roya' 
Society  of  Antiquarians,    Ireland,   for  the   year   1889. 

F 


66  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

Kilpeacon  and  Mungret.  A  fleet  entered  the  Luimnech, 
as  the  Shannon  was  then  called,  from  the  city  to  the 
sea,  and  devoted  their  attention  to  the  treasures  of 
Hy  Conaill  Gabhra.  This  tribe,  under  the  command  of 
their  chieftain  Donnchadh,  head  of  the  Hy  Fidhgente, 
assisted  by  Niall  Son  Cennfaeladh  (Kenealy),  encoun- 
tered and  defeated  them  at  Shanid,  near  Shanagolden, 
in  the  year  834. 

845.  A  fleet  landed  an  army  in  North  Kerry,  who 
plundered  the  country  as  far  as  Kill  Ita  (Killeedy).  In 
the  meantime  the  party  on  the  Shannon  were  actively 
engaged  in  the  east  of  the  county,  where  they  captured 
Farannan  Comharba  of  Armagh,  who  was  at  Cluain 
Comairdi  (Colman's  Well),  and  took  him  to  the  fleet- 
Farannan  was  forced  to  fly  from  his  see  by  Turgesius, 
who  usurped  the  primacy,  and  held  it  till  his  death, 
which  took  place  this  year.  Farannan  was  then  libe- 
rated, and  allowed  to  return  to  Armagh. 

857.  Another  fleet  landed  a  host  of  Danes  in  North 
Kerry,  who  plundered  Kill  Ita  for  the  second  time,  and 
extended  their  depredations  as  far  as  the  Shannon,  and 
eastward  as  far  as  Cashel.  Then  came  a  cessation  of 
invasions  for  a  period  of  forty  years,  but  the  foreigners 
were  not  idle  all  this  time,  as  history  informs  us  that 
they  were  seeking  fresh  fields  along  the  coast  of  southern 
Europe. 

916.  They  again  returned  to  our  shores,  and  divided 
themselves  into  three  parties  and  ravaged  all  the  south 
of  Ireland.  It  was  by  them  fell  Gebennach,  King  of 
Ui  Conaill  ;  after  killing  him  they  took  away  his  head. 


Great  is  the  pity,  O  God  of  Heaven  ! 
That  the  people  of  Tomar  should  have  it ; 
Behold  the  head  of  Gabhra's  king  is  taken  from  you, 
Illustrious  gem  of  the  west  of  the  world  ! 


THE    DANES    IN    HY    FIDHGENTE.  67 

922.  Tomar,!  a  sea  king,  came  into  the  Shannon, 
and  landed  at  Inis  Sibhton,  now  called  the  King's 
Island,  and  there  encamped,  laying  the  foundations  of 
the  present  city  of  Limerick.  Having  fixed  his  head- 
quarters on  the  island,  he  ravaged  all  the  holy  places 
on  the  Shannon  from  Lough  Derg  to  Lough  Ree,  drown- 
ing their  shrines  and  books.  About  this  time  Munster 
was  teeming  with  them,  "  so  that  there  was  not  a  harbour 
nor  a  landing  place  nor  a  dun  nor  a  fastness  without 
fleets  of  Danes  and  pirates."  The  old  chronicle  gives  a 
pathetic  description  of  the  sorrows  and  cruelties  they 
inflicted  on  our  fathers  : — 

They  demolished  the  beautiful  ornamented  temples,  for 
neither  veneration  nor  honour  nor  mercy  for  Termon,  nor 
protection  for  church  or  for  sanctuary  for  God  or  for  man 
was  felt  by  this  furious  ferocious,  ruthless  pagan  people. 
Many  were  the  blooming  lively  women,  and  the  most  comely 
maidens  .  .  .  and  the  gentle,  well  brought  up  youths  and 
valiant  champions  that  were  carried  off  into  oppression  and 
bondage  over  the  broad  green  sea.  Alas  !  many  were  the 
bright  and  brilliant  eyes  that  were  suffused  with  tears  and 
dimmed  with  grief  and  despair  at  the  separation  of  son  from 
father,  and  daughter  from  mother,  and  brother  from  brother 
and  relatives  from  their  race  and  tribe. 

930.  Yet  another  fleet  of  Danes,  led  by  Ivar  and  his 
three  sons  Dubhcenn  (Blackhead),  Cu  AUaidh  (Wild 
Hound),  and  Aralt,  or  Harold,  landed  at  Inis  Sibhton, 
and  seemed  to  act  in  concert  with  Tomar's  party,  as  both 
lived  on  the  island  together,  apparently  in  peace  and 
good  fellowship.  Ivar's  party  showed  themselves  eager 
to  possess  "  the  pure  smooth-plained  sweet  grassy  land 
of  Erin."  They  plundered  Munster,  and  organized  a  body 
of  tax-gatherers,  whom  they  billetted  in  every  house, 

1  Th£  raids  of  the  Danes  of  Luimnech  mentioned  before  922  seem  to 
refer  to  the  fleets  on  the  Shannon. 


68  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

as  they  seem  to  have  completely  subdued  the  surround- 
ing country,  "  so  that  none  of  the  men  of  Erin  had  power 
to  give  even  the  milk  of  a  cow,  or  a  clutch  of  eggs  of  one 
hen  in  succour  or  in  kindness  to  an  aged  man,  or  to  a 
friend,  but  was  forced  to  preserve  them  for  the  foreign, 
steward  or  bailiff." 

Brian  Borumha  and  his  brother  Mahon  commenced  a. 
guerilla  warfare  against  the  oppressors  of  their  country- 
men in  the  woods  of  Thomond.  No  quarter  was  given 
on  either  side. 

At  length,  growing  weary  of  this  kind  of  warfare 
Mahon  made  a  truce  with  the  enemy,  but  Brian  refused 
to  recognize  it,  and  continued  single-handed  an  unequal 
contest  until  his  force  w^as  reduced  to  fifteen  men.  Mahon 
hearing  the  sad  plight  of  his  brother  had  an  interview 
wdth  him  ;  the  result  of  which  was  that  Mahon  assembled 
the  tribe,  and  having  stated  the  whole  case,  put  it  to 
them  whether  they  would  have  peace  or  war.  The 
unanimous  voice  was  for  war.  The  two  brothers  imme- 
diately commenced  an  active  and  determined  opposition 
to  the  foreigners  which  aroused  the  Limerick  Danes. 

Ivar,  their  king,  invited  all  his  vassals,  both  GailL 
and  Gaedhill,  to  rally  to  his  standard  as  he  intended 
crushing  once  for  all  the  power  of  the  Dalgais.  It  would 
seem  that  at  this  period  a  close  alliance  existed  between 
Ivar  and  Donovan,  son  of  Cathal,  King  of  the  Cairbre 
and  other  Eugenian  chiefs  ;  not  that  they  were  so  much 
in  love  with  the  Danes,  as  jealous  of  the  growing  power 
of  the  Dalgais,  who  were  asserting  their  claims  to  the 
kingship  of  Cashel,  which  was  so  long  denied  them. 

968.  Both  armies  met  at  Sulchoit  (now  Solohead), 
near  the  Limerick  Junction,  and  "  they  were  from  sun- 
rise till  mid-day  striking  and  slaughtering  each  other." 
The  Danes  were  routed,  and  fled  in  all  directions,  the 
main  body  retreated  to  Limerick.  The  Dalcassians 
pursued  them  into  the  fort  and  slaughtered  them  in  the 


THE    DANES    IN    HY    FIDHGENTE.  69 

streets  and  in  the  houses.  They  then  took  away  their 
jewels  and  their  saddles,  beautiful  and  foreign  ;  their 
gold  and  their  silver,  their  beautiful  woven  cloth,  both 
scarlet  and  green."  The  captives  were  collected  on  the 
hills  of  Singland,  and  everyone  that  was  fit  for  war  was 
put  to  death,  and  every  one  that  was  fit  for  a  slave  was 
enslaved. 

Mahon  to  make  his  victory  secure  immediately 
entered  the  territories  of  the  Danish  allies,  and  took 
hostages  from  Donovan  of  Ui  Fidhgente  and  Molloy, 
King  of  Desmond,  the  representatives  of  the  Eugenian 
race.  He  went  to  the  west  of  the  county,  and  made  a 
slaughter  of  the  Danes  at  Shanagolden,  where  they 
seem  to  have  had  a  strong  settlement.  During  his 
absence  the  remnant  of  the  Limerick  Danes  and  their 
fellow-countrymen  of  Waterford  united  their  forces  and 
plundered  Emly,  where  they  remained  encamped  for 
two  days.  Here  they  were  attacked  by  Mahon  and 
again  put  to  flight.  He  then  burned  Limerick,  and 
banished  Ivar  over  the  sea,  where  he  remained  for  a 
year.  When  he  returned  he  settled  down  on  the  western 
part  of  the  Shannon,  whence  he  made  many  spoils  and 
battles. 

Mahon  now  assumed  the  sovereignty  of  Cashel,  and 
his  enemies  being  no  longer  able  to  resist  him  on  the 
field  had  recourse  to  treachery.  In  this  act  of  Mahon's 
the  Eugenians  saw  their  hopes  of  attaining  the  sovereignty 
of  Munster  pass  away  for  ever  which  they  regarded  as 
their  birth-right  after  centuries  of  usurpation. 

At  the  instigation  of  Ivar  Donovan  and  Molloy 
entered  into  a  conspiracy  against  the  life  of  Mahon. 
When  the  plot  was  matured  Donovan  invited  Mahon 
to  his  house,  giving  an  assurance  before-hand  that  no 
harm  would  befall  him  during  his  visit.  While  enjoying 
the  hospitality  of  his  host  he  was  seized  and  handed  over 
-to  Molloy's  soldiers,  who  received  orders  to  put  him  to 


70  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

death,  which  instructions  they  faithfully  executed  at 
Red  Chair,  a  pass  between  the  counties  of  Limerick  and 
Cork,  near  Ardpatrick. 

The  last  state  of  the  conspirators  was  worse  than 
the  first,  as  Brian  succeeded  to  the  throne,  and  "  he  was 
not  a  wisp  of  hay  in  the  place  of  a  club,"  but  a  hero 
whose  valour  was  beyond  that  of  his  brother.  He 
immediately  commenced  hostilities  against  them.  Ivar 
with  his  followers  entrenched  themselves  in  Scattery 
Island,  as  their  head-quarters,  concealing  their  women  in 
the  other  and  more  remote  islands,  awaiting  aid  from 
their  countrymen.  Here  Brian  and  the  O'Donnells  of 
West  Clare  attacked  and  slew  Ivar  and  his  two  sons. 
A  great  spoil  of  gold  and  silver  was  found  in  those 
islands,  that  were  then  inhabited  by  the  Danes.  Harold 
the  third  and  surviving  son  was  made  king  of  the 
foreigners  of  Munster,  and  Donovan,  knowing  what  he 
was  to  expect  from  Brian,  invited  Harold  to  his  house. 

Brian  lost  no  time  in  turning  his  arms  against 
Donovan.  Having  entered  Hy  Fidhgente  he  drove  off 
his  cattle  (978),  took  the  fortress  of  Cahair  Cuan,i  and 
slew  Donovan  and  his  ally  Harold,  and  made  a  great 
slaughter  of  the  Danes.  He  then  proceeded  against 
MoUoy,  whom  he  encountered  and  slew  at  the  very  same 
pass  where  his  brother  Mahon  was  so  cruelly  murdered 
a  short  time  before. 

The  enemies  of  the  Dalcassians  being  now  subdued,, 
and  the  murderers  of  Mahon  punished,  Brian  became 
undisputed  King  of  Munster.  He  made  a  circuit  of  his 
newly  acquired  dominions,  and  fortified  the  forts  of 
Kilfinane,  the  island  in  Lough  Gur,  Dun  Eochair  Maigue, 
(Bruree),  and  Dunchath,  in  the  County  Limerick.     Being 

'  In  Sweetman's  CD. I.,  year  1200,  p.  21,  in  the  grant  to  the 
Monastery  of  Monasteranenagh  there  is  mentioned  a  Cahircuain 
which  would  be  near  Bruff,  and  evidently  the  same  as  this  one  judging, 
from  the  similarity  of  the  words. 


THE   DANES   IN    HY   FIDHGENTE.  71 

a  prince  of  restless  ambition  he  aspired  to  the  throne  of 
Ireland,  which  he  ultimately  secured,  not  only  by  the 
aid  of  native  troops  but  also  by  the  foreigners,  who 
entered  into  a  treaty  with  him.  This  great  man  re- 
stored peace  and  good  order  during  his  reign.  He  was 
slain  at  the  battle  of  Clontarf,  on  the  23rd  of  April,  1014, 
and  with  him  fell  the  flower  of  his  house  and  most  of 
the  chivalry  of  Munster. 

Christianity  among  the  Danes. 
After  the  decisive  battle  of  Solloghed,  the  Limerick 
Danes  gave  up  the  profession  of  arms  in  a  great  measure, 
and  turned  their  attention  to  commercial  pursuits.  For 
many  a  year  a  close  intimacy  existed  between  them  and 
the  Donovans,  chieftains  of  Hy  Fidhgente,  who,  it  would 
appear,  secured  that  position  by  their  aid.  Both  princely 
houses  were  intermarried,  and  many  of  the  lower  order 
of  the  Danes  no  doubt  followed  the  example  of  their 
leaders  which  had  the  effect  of  bringing  them  into  more 
friendly  relations  with  the  natives,  and  softening  their 
prejudices  against  Christianity.  When  they  embraced 
Christianity  they  naturally  received  their  missionaries 
from,  and  adopted  the  patron  saint  of  the  sept  they 
were  friendly  with,  having  none  of  their  own. 

The  patron  saint  of  Bruree  was  St.  Munchin,  whose 
feast  is  still  kept  there,  and  has  been  from  time  imme_ 
morial,  on  the  2nd  of  January.  The  feast  of  the  St. 
Munchin  that  is  venerated  in  the  city  is  kept  on  the 
same  day,  a  coincidence  which  goes  to  prove  that  they 
are  identical.  The  first  Christian  missionaries  that  con- 
verted the  Limerick  Danes  would,  on  the  above  suppo- 
sition, have  been  from  O' Donovan's  country,  and  when 
they  built  a  church  for  the  accommodation  of  their 
converts  in  the  city  they  would  naturally  dedicate  it 
to  the  patron  saint  of  their  native  tuath,  which  in  this 
instance  was  Munchin. 


72  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

The  Martyrologies  ^  mention  a  Munchin  the  Wise, 
of  Disert  Mic  Cuihn,  in  Laegis  of  Leinster,  at  the  2nd  of 
January,  which  is  sufficient  to  show  he  is  the  same  as 
the  above-mentioned,  especially  as  there  is  no  other 
saint  of  the  name  given  at  that  date.  The  Annals 
record  his  death  at  the  year  652,  and  call  him  Abbot  of 
Menadrochet.  The  tract  where  this  place  is  situated 
was  formerly  called  Disertchuillin.  It  is  now  known 
as  Monadrehid,  about  a  mile  from  Borris-in-Ossory, 
Queen's  County.  Munchin,  or  Manchan,  is  the  diminutive 
of  Manach,  a  monk,  and  means  a  little  monk.  There  is, 
no  hfe  of  him  extant.  Perhaps  he  may  have  been  a 
native  of  the  tuath  of  Bruree,  and  in  early  years  left 
his  native  place  for  a  home  near  Slieve  Bloom,  like  his 
fellow-tribesmen  Molua  and  Pulcherius. 

The  arguments  advanced  in  favour  of  the  other 
saints  of  the  name  are  based  on  the  supposition  that 
the  city  of  Limerick  was  a  centre  of  authority  from 
remote  times. 

But  it  grew  hke  Dublin  and  Waterford,  from  a  Danish 
fort  to  a  city,  and  hke  them,  when  converted  to  Chris- 
tianity, elected  its  own  bishop,  whose  jurisdiction  did 
not  extend  beyond  the  city  and  adjacent  country.  The 
Danes  did  not  coalesce  with  the  natives  but  formed  a 
distinct  rehgious  community,  and  so  far  did  they  carry 
this  distinction  that  they  sent  their  bishops  to  Canter- 
bury for  consecration,  as  they  looked  on  the  Normans 
as  their  kith  and  kin. 

The  erection   of   Limerick  into   a  bishopric  is   very 

1  Mart,  of  /Engus,  January  2nd,  "  Mainchine  of  splendid  Eirge," 
page  26,  and  in  a  note  page  31  in  same  book  the  following  note  taken 
from  the  Leabhar  Breac  is  given  :  "  Mainchine  of  splendid  Eirge,  i."., 
of  Disert  Mic  Cuilind  in  Leix  of  Leinster,  Mamchme,  i.e.,  son  of 
Luimnech  (Limerick)  or  Mainchini,  i.e.,  a  river  that  is  in  west  of 
Leinster  in  Leix  and  Airic  its  names."     Edited  by  Whitly  Stokes. 

Mart,    of    Tallaght,    January   2nd,  Mancheni  Sapiens   (Mainchen 
the  wise). 

Mart,   of  Donegal,   January  2nd,   Mainchin  Sage  of  Disert-mic- 
Cuilinn  in  Laeighis  of  Leinster. 


THE    DANES    IN    HY    FIDHGENTE.  73 

obscure.  But  if  we  regard  the  manner  in  which  their 
kinsmen  acted  in  Dubhn  and  Waterford,  it  may  be  safely 
asserted  that  the  same  method  was  adopted  in  Limerick. 

Dunan,!  or  Dunatus,  an  Irishman,  the  first  Bishop 
of  Dubhn,  was  elected  by  Sitric,  the  king  of  that  city, 
who  endowed  the  newly-built  cathedral  under  the 
patronage  of  the  Holy  Trinity.  He  was  consecrated  in 
Ireland,  as  the  Normans  did  not  come  to  England  until 
the  year  1066.  But  after  Dunan's  death,  which  occurred 
in  1074,  his  successor  Patrick,  went  across  to  Canterbury, 
and  was  consecrated  by  Lanfranc. 

Waterford  -  was  made  an  episcopal  see  in  the  year 
1098.  The  clergy  and  laity  of  the  city  selected  Malchus 
an  Irishman,  and  Benedictine  monk  of  Winchester. 
This  election  met  the  approval  of  Murtagh  O'Brien, 
King  of  Munster,  and  many  bishops.  They  also  wished 
to  be  connected  with  Canterbury  in  spirituals.  O'Brien 
consented,  and  joined  them  in  forwarding  a  letter  ^  to 
Anselm.  Malchus  set  out  with  this  epistle,  and  was 
graciously  received  by  Anselm,  who  consecrated  him. 
When  Malchus  returned  he  built  a  cathedral  by  the  aid 
of  his  Danish  flock,  and  dedicated  it  to  the  Holy 
Trinity. 

A  few  years  later  we  find  Gillebert  set  down  as  Bishop 
of  Limerick.  How  his  election  was  carried  out  there  is 
no  record,  but  as  it  took  place  about  the  same  time  as 
Waterford  and  under  the  same  auspices,  it  must  have 
been  similar.  He  was  consecrated  in  Ireland,  perhaps 
owing  to  the  fact  that  Anselm  was  then  in  exile  (1103- 
1106). 

Gillebert  travelled  on  the  Continent  many  years 
before  he  became  bishop,  and  made  the  acquaintance  of 

1  See  Ware's  Bishops,  Edited  by  Harris,  vol.  i.,  pp.  300-1,  Dublio, 
1764.  The  edition  quoted  in  this  volume.  See  also  Lanigan's  Ecc. 
Hist,  of  Ireland,  vol.  iii.,  433,  etc. 

2  Ware,  vol.  i.,  p.  526  ;  Lanigan,  vol.  iv.,  p.  15. 

3  See  Usher  Sylloge,  letter  38,  Dublin  edition,   163^. 


74  DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 

Anselm  at  Rouen.  He  renewed  the  acquaintance  after 
becoming  Bishop  of  Limerick,  as  he  wrote  congratulating 
Anselm  ^  on  having  at  last  induced  the  untamable 
Normans  to  submit  to  the  regular  decrees  of  the  Church 
with  regard  to  the  election  and  consecration  of  abbots 
and  bishops.  He  thanks  God  for  enabling  Anselm  to 
gain  this  victory,  and  as  token  of  attachment  sends  a 
little  present  of  twenty-five  small  pearls,  and  requests 
that  he  will  not  forget  him  in  his  prayers.  Hence  it 
may  be  inferred  that  this  letter  was  written  shortly  after 
Henry  I  had,  in  1106,  settled  his  disputes  with  Anselm, 
and  it  may  also  be  inferred  that  Gillebert  was  Bishop  of 
Limerick  at  the  time  the  letter  was  written,  and  perhaps 
a  few  years  earlier. 

Anselm  replied  to  the  above  letter  thanking  Gillebert 
for  congratulations  and  present.  He  also  reminds  him 
of  their  mutual  affection  since  they  had  known  each 
other  at  Rouen.  He  says  that  since  he  now  knows 
that  Gillebert  has  been  raised  to  the  episcopal  dignity 
in  Ireland,  that  he  will  exert  himself  in  correcting  what- 
ever abuses  exist  in  the  Church,  and  endeavour  to  induce 
the  king  and  bishops  of  the  country  to  co-operate  with 
him  in  the  good  work. 

Accordingly,  Gillebert-'set  to  work  with  great  zeal  in 
abohshing  the  variety  of  offices  that  had  been  intro- 
duced into  the  Irish  Church  principally  by  the  second 
order  of  Irish  saints,  and  to  establish  instead  of  them, 
the  oface  used  at  Rome.  To  effect  this  change  he 
wrote  a  tract  called  De  usu  Ecclesiastico,  the  date  of 
which  is  unknown,  but  must  have  been  some  time  before 
he  became  Papal  Legate,  judging  from  the  prologue  of 
the  work,  which  is  extant.  He  addresses  this  tract  to 
the  bishops  and  priests,  saying  that  it  was  composed 
at  the  request  of  many  of  them.     In  deference  to  their 

1  See  Appendix. 


THE    DANES    IN    HY    FIDHGENTE.  75 

wishes  he  wrote  out  the  canonical  custom  of  saying  the 
hours  and  in  performing  the  offices  of  the  whole  ecclesi- 
astical order,  that  the  various  and  schismatical  orders 
with  which  all  Ireland  was  bewildered  might  yield  to  the 
one  Catholic  Roman  office. 

No  doubt  such  a  variety  of  offices  required  some 
limitation,  but  in  describing  them  as  schismatical  Gille- 
bert  erred,  as  a  similar  variety  exists  in  the  Church  at 
the  present  day,  especially  among  the  religious  Orders, 
such  as  the  Carthusians,  Benedictines,  Dominicans,  and 
Carmelites,  whose  Masses  and  offices  differ  from  each 
other,  and  from  the  secular  clergy.  His  zeal  and  ability 
in  correcting  abuses  and  bringing  the  Irish  Church  in 
matters  of  discipline  in  conformity  with  Rome,  the 
mother  and  mistress  of  all  the  Churches,  must  have 
been  well  known  at  the  Papal  Court,  and  influenced  the 
reigning  Pontiff  to  confer  on  Gillebert  the  exalted  and 
responsible  office  of  Papal  Legate. 

Murtagh  O'Brien,  also  acting  on  the  advice  of  Anselm, 
exerted  himself  in  the  interests  of  religion.  He  called 
together  a  synod  of  the  noblemen  of  Erin,  both  clergy 
and  laity,  and  many  laws  were  made  for  the  benefit  of 
the  Church. 

When  Gillebert  was  made  Papal  Legate  Murtagh  had 
a  wise  guide,  who  was  throughly  conversant  with  the 
Continental  form  of  Church  government,  and  no  doubt 
impressed  on  him  the  necessity  of  bringing  the  whole 
Irish  Church  into  conformity  with  it,  as  the  monastic 
system  which  flourished  so  long  in  the  country  was 
almost  effaced  owing  to  the  confusion  created  by  the 
Danish  invasion.  Thus  a  favourable  opportunity  pre- 
sented itself  for  carrying  out  the  much  needed  reform. 
Accordingly,  a  general  synod  was  held  at  Rathbresail 
the  modern  name  of  which  would  be  Mountrath  ;  accord- 
ing to  O' Donovan,  Keating  states  that  it  was  held  in 
A.D.  mo,  but  Lanigan  places  it  as  late  as  the  year  1118. 


76  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

Gillebert,  as  Papal  Legate,  presided,  and  for  the 
first  time  the  exact  boundaries  of  the  various  dioceses 
were  defined,  and  the  number  of  bishops  considerably- 
restricted.  The  whole  of  Ireland  was  divided  into  two 
ecclesiastical  provinces,  based  on  the  old  divisions  of 
Leath  Mhogha  and  Leath  Chuin.  It  may  be  taken  for 
granted  that  the  same  principle — which  is  clearly  proved 
in  many  instances — was  adopted  in  dividing  the  pro- 
vinces into  dioceses. 

Limerick,!  according  to  this  synod,  was  bounded  on 
the  east  by  "  the  Mulkern  River,  the  ford  opposite  Lodan 
(Ludden),  Lough  Gur,  Lathach  (Ballynalahagh,  in  the 
parish  of  Knockainey),  and  westwards  from  Ani  (Ivnock- 
ainey),  taking  in  Ardpatrick,  Belach  Febradh  (the 
mountains  south  of  Ardpatrick)  and  Tullylease,  towards 
the  south  as  far  as  the  Feale  River,  Tarbeit,  including 
Cuinchi  (Ouin)  and  the  crosses  on  Slieve  Oighedhan  Rig 
(Cratloe  mountain),  and  the  Blackwater."  The  limits 
of  the  diocese  as  here  defined  are  almost  the  same 
as  at  the  present  day,  and  substantially  agree  with 
those  of  the  territory  of  Hy  Fidhgente,  as  laid  down  in 
old  authorities.  Immediately  after  the  enumeration  of 
these  boundaries  the  following  clause  is  added,  namely  : 
*'  If  any  person  go  beyond  these  limits  he  will  act  in 
violation  of  the  will  of  the  Deity,  and  of  St.  Peter,  St. 
Paul,  and  St.  Patrick,  and  the  men  who  have  succeeded 
these  Saints  in  the  Church,  and  the  temple  of  St.  Mary 
is  the  cathedral  church." 

The  see  of  Iniscathy  is  not  mentioned  in  this  synod, 
but  its  possessions  are  included  in  the  dioceses  of  Limerick 
and  Killaloe,  and  that  evidently  with  the  consent  of 
Murtagh  O'Brien,  who  took  a  great  interest  in  the  wel- 
fare of  the  Church,  especially  in  his  own  dominions. 
Gillebert  naturally  expected  strong  opposition  to  such 

'  See  Mahony's  edition  of  Keating's  History  of  Ireland;  also 
Kelly's  Camb.  Ev.  vol.  ii.,  Appendix  c. 


THE    DANES   IN    HY    FIDHGENTK.  yj 

an  arrangement,  and  doubtless  got  this  clause  enacted 
as  a  safeguard  to  the  decree.  St.  Mary's  is  set  down  as 
the  Cathedral  Church  of  the  diocese,  and  if  there  be 
any  truth  in  the  statement  that  it  was  founded  on  the 
palace  of  the  O'Briens  it  must  have  been  Murtagh  that 
bestowed  the  gift,  and  not  Donald,  as  is  commonly 
asserted.  The  dedication  of  the  cathedral  i  of  the 
newly  formed  diocese  to  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary  may 
have  been  an  expedient  to  avoid  whatever  friction  was 
likely  to  arise  from  either  of  the  sections  striving  to 
get  their  own  patron  acknowledged  as  patron  of  thc^. 
whole  diocese. 

Another  very  important  law  was  made  at  this  synod 
namely,  "  that  all  the  churches  of  Ireland  were  given 
up  in  full  possession  to  the  Irish  prelates,  who  were 
henceforth  to  hold  them  for  ever  free  from  authority  or 
rent  of  any  temporal  lord."- 

In  the  old  tribal  system  the  lands  set  apart  for  the 
maintenance  of  the  Church  were  vested  in  the  patron 
and  his  successors,  who  ministered  to  the  spiritual  wants 
of  the  faithful.  Sometimes  it  happened  that  the  patron's 
successor  was  only  an  abbot,  and  the  bishop  employed 
to  discharge  the  duties  appertaining  to  his  office  was 
subject  to  the  abbot.  By  this  decree  the  bishop  was 
made  centre  of  authority  and  jurisdiction,  as  in  other 
parts  of  the  Church,  irrespective  of  whatever  obligations 
he  might  be  under  to  a  religious  community  if  he  should 
happen  to  belong  to  it  before  his  nomination  to  the 
episcopacy. 

As  long  as  Murtagh  O'Brien  ruled,  Gillebert  was 
able  to  enforce  these  decrees,  at  least  within  the  limits 
of  his  own  diocese,  but  as  to  how  he  fared  afterwards 
history  is  silent.     Growing  old  and  feeble  he  resigned  the 

'    FE 1  According  to  White  St.  Munchin  was  only  recognized  as  Patron 
of  the  whole  city. — Lenihan,  p.  558. 
2  Chrontcon   Scotorum. 


yS  DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 

office  of  Papal  Legate,  in  1139,  ^^^  died  in  the  year 
1 145.  It  is  likely,  owing  to  the  confusion  of  the 
times,  that  this  arrangement  did  not  last  longer  than 
his  life-time,  as  we  find  his  successor,  Patrick,  going  to 
Canterbury  for  consecration.  He  made  a  profession  of 
obedience  to  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury  before  he 
was  consecrated,  which  is  still  extant  in  a  MS.  in  the 
Cotton  Library  that  formerly  belonged  to  Canterbury, 
and  is  as  follows  : — 

I,  Patrick,  elected  to  the  government  of  the  Church  ol 
Limerick,  and  now  by  the  grace  of  God  about  to  be  con- 
secrated bishop,  by  you,  Father  Theobald,  Archbishop  of 
Canterbury  and  Primate;of  Britain,  do  promise  in  all  things 
to  pay  my  bounden  subjection  and  canonical  obedience  to 
you,  and  all  your  successors  canonically  succeeding  you. 

The  bishop  lived  only  for  a  short  time,  and  the  year 
of  his  death  is  not  known.  Iniscathy  again  recovered 
some  of  its  ancient  prestige,  as  it  was  recognized  as  a 
see  at  the  Synod  of  Kells,  which  was  held  in  1152,  not 
many  years  after  Gillebert's  death. 

Harold. 

Harold,  ^  an  Ostman,  was  the  next  bishop,  but  noinmg 
concerning  him  has  come  down  to  our  times.  He  died 
in  the  year  1151. 

T  urge  si  us. 

Turgesius  -  was  also  a  Dane,  and  was  present  at  the 
Synod  of  Kells,  presided  over  by  Cardinal  Paparo^ 
During  his  occupancy  of  the  see  the  city  was  besieged 
and  taken  by  Murdoc  of  O'Lochlain.  Turgesius  died  in 
the  year  1167.     It  would  appear  that  the  Danish  colony 

1  Usher,  Sylloge,  p.  120. 

2  Ware's  Bishops  of  Limerick. 


THE    DANES    IN    HY    FIDHGENTE.  79 

of  Limerick  and  the  Irish  of  the  surrounding  districts 
were  much  estranged  during  these  eventful  years. 

Domestic  Affairs  of  Ui  Fidhgente. 

Having  traced  the  Danish  colony  at  Limerick  so  far, 
we  now  return  to  the  history  of  the  Hy  Fidhgente. 

The  sovereignty  of  the  tribe  fluctuated  between  the 
chieftains  of  Lli  Conaill  Gabhra  and  the  Ui  Cairbre, 
which  was  regulated  by  well  established  principles  of 
Brehon  Law.  But  in  the  confusion  and  demoralization 
that  followed  on  the  wake  of  the  Danish  invasion  these 
principles  were  lost  sight  of  and  anarchy  reigned  supreme. 

Every  petty  chief  aspired  to  the  sovereignty  of  the 
tribe,  and  every  means  that  was  calculated  to  secure 
success  was  employed  regardless  of  consequences.  The 
meagre  details  that  our  native  Annals  furnish  regarding 
the  domestic  affairs  of  the  Hy  Fidhgente  are  here  set 
down  in  chronological  order  : — 

1014. 1  Cairbre,  son  of  Cleirichen,  Lord  of  the  Hy  Fidhgente, 
was  treacherously  slain  by  Malcolm  of  Kenry.  Cleirchen 
was  the  ancestor  of  the  O'Cleireachains,  anglicized  Cleary 
and  Clarke,  names  still  extant  in  the  Co.  Limerick. 

1027.  Donnchadh,  son  of  Brian,  led  an  army  into  Ossory, 
where  he  was  defeated,  and  there  were  slain  on  that  occasion 
the  two  sons  of  Cuilen,  son  of  Conchobhar,  Lord  and  tainist 
of  Ui  Conaill. 

1031.  He  renewed  the  attack  and  was  again  defeated, 
leaving  many  of  his  associates,  amongst  them  the  two  royal 
heirs  of  Ui  Conaill  and  Malcolm  of  Kenry. 

1045.  Gluniarn  Na  Clercen  (Clery),  Lord  of  Ui  Cairbre, 
died. 

1049.  Conor  Ua  Cinnfhaelaidh  (Kinealy),  Lord  of  Ui 
Conaill  Gabhra,  was  slain    by  the  Eugenians  of    Killarney. 

1088.  Domhnall,  son    of    MacLochlain,   King  of   Ireland, 

1  Antis.  Four  Masters  under  the  respective  years. 


80  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

and  Roderic  O'Connor  of  Connaught,  burned  Limerick  and 
plundered  the  plain  of  Munster,  that  is  Emly.  Lough  Gur, 
Bruree,  Dun  Aiched  (probably  Dunachip  in  the  parish  of 
Dysert  near  Croom)  Drummin,  and  they  carried  away  the 
head  of  O'Ruaric  from  the  hills  of  Singland.  It  wasjn  this 
raid  they  demolished  Kincora. 

1099.  Roderic  O'Connor  again  returned  to  Munster  and 
burned  Dun  Aichet. 

iioi.  It  is  probable  that  Murtagh  O'Brien,  King  of 
Munster,  removed  his  residence  to  the  city  of  Limerick 
after  Kincora  was  destroyed.  The  first  opportunity  that 
offered  he  marched  with  a  large  army  into  Ulster,  and 
demolished  the  Grennan  of  Ely  in  revenge  for  Kincora,  and 
his  soldiers  brought  the  stones  to  Limerick  where  they  were 
inserted  on  the  parapet  of  the  palace. 

1 105.  Maelruanaidh  Ua  Bilraighe,  Lord  of  Ui  Cairbre 
and  tutor  of  Turlogh  O'Brien,  died.  The  family  of 
O' Bilraighe  (O'Billery)  were  of  the  same  race  as  the 
O' Donovans,  but  sunk  into  obscurity  after  this  period. 

O'Heerin  says  of  them  : — 

O' Bilraighe  who  used  to  bestow  cows 
Over  Lli  Conaill  of  the  field  of  Gabhra 
King  of  truth  of  fair  lands 
The  smooth  dells  of  heavy  fruit. 

1 1 27.  Turlough  O'Connor  plundered  Ui  Conaill  at  Faing 
(Foynes  Island)  from  his  fleet,  and  in  the  following  year 
repeated  the  attack  on  two  occasions. 

Hy  Fidhgente  must  have  been  reduced  to  poverty 
and  the  spirit  of  its  people  broken  after  so  many  raids 
from  outside.  These,  together  with  the  domestic  dissen- 
sions of  its  chieftains,  were  unconsciously  preparing  an 
easy  conquest  for  the  adventurers  that  were  soon  to 
appear  on  the  horizon  and  blot  out  that  name  for  ever 
more  from  the  topography  of  the  country. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

THE    NORMANS. 

The  two  great  rulers,  spiritual  and  temporal,  that  divided 
the  honours  of  Limerick  between  them  when  the  Normans 
invaded  the  country,  were  Brictius,  the  bishop  who 
succeeded  Turgesius,  and  Donald,  King  of  Thomond. 

1168.  When  Donald  became  King  of  North  Munster 
he  engaged  in  a  fierce  contest  with  Turlough  O'Connor, 
which  after  a  display  of  much  wasteful  energy,  ended  in 
a  truce. 

1168.1  In  the  meantime  Dermot  MacAIurrough,  who 
had  been  driven  out  of  his  kingdom  of  Leinster,  repaired 
to  the  court  of  Henry  II.,  King  of  England,  to  invoke 
the  aid  of  that  powerful  prince  in  restoring  him  to  his 
lost  inheritance. 

Having  succeeded  in  enhsting  some  Welsh  knights 
in  his  favour,  he  returned  to  Ireland,  and  was  soon 
followed  by  a  band  of  these  adventurers,  who  imme- 
diately overran  Leinster,  and  secured  Dermot  in  his 
possessions.  More  reinforcements  soon  landed,  and  as 
their  numbers  increased  their  ambition  widened.  Though 
coming  as  mercenary  troops  they  now  determined  to 
place  the  whole  country  under  their  rule. 

Roderic,  the  Ard-Righ,  realising  the  situation,  sum- 
moned the  kings  and  chiefs  of  the  country  to  his  standard, 
so  that  by  a  combined  effort  they  might  be  able  to  rid  the 
country  of  such  unwelcome  and  ill-conditioned  visitors^ 
O'Brien  instead  of  obeying  the  call  of  his  superior,  like 

1  See  Conquest  of  Ireland,  by  Gerald  Cambrensis,  Bohn's  edition, 
p.  184,  etc. 

a 


82  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

a  true  patriot,  saw  in  the  movement  a  favourable  oppor- 
tunity to  renew  hostilities  against  O'Connor.  To  better 
effect  his  purpose  he  had  recourse  toDermotMacMorrough, 
his  father-in-law,  who  sent  to  his  assistance  a  detach- 
ment of  Normans  under  the  leadership  of  FitzStephen. 
This  contingent  united  with  Donald's  forces,  and  after 
several  engagements  succeeded  in  driving  back  O'Connor 
to  his  own  territories. 

1 170.  It  was  during  this  expedition,  Cambrensis 
gravely  informs  us,  that  a  woman  was  seen  at  the  court 
of  King  Donald  with  a  beard,  and  a  mane  hke  a  horse's 
upon  her  back. 

1172.  At  the  close  of  the  year  1171  Henry  came  to 
Ireland,  accompanied  by  a  great  retinue  of  knights  and 
men-at-arms.  He  landed  at  Waterford.  M'Carthy  of 
Desmond  was  the  first  Irish  king  to  welcome  him.  He 
then  did  homage  and  swore  fealty  to  Henry  as  his  lord, 
and  gave  hostages  as  security  for  the  regular  payment 
of  a  yearly  tribute. 

At  Cashel  Henry  was  met  by  O'Brien,  who  sued  for 
peace,  which  was  willingly  granted.  He  also  became 
tributary  to  the  king,  and  swore  fealty  which  he  pro- 
mised faithfully  to  observe.  It  is  said  Henry  then 
appointed  his  own  governors  and  officers  in  the  cities 
of  Limerick  and  Cork.  The  leading  kings  and  chiefs, 
excepting  those  of  Ulster,  not  long  afterwards  made  a 
kind  of  submission  to  the  English  monarch. 

The  clergy  in  consequence  of  the  action  of  their 
temporal  lords  were  bound  to  follow  suit,  and  met  the 
king  at  Cashel,  where  a  synod  was  held.  After  six 
months'  stay  in  the  country,  Henry  returned  to  England, 
leaving  behind  a  host  of  greedy  adventurers,  who  at  once 
set  about  aggrandizing  themselves  at  the  expense  of  the 
natives,  instead  of  settling  down  quietly  in  the  enjoy- 
ment of  their  already  acquired  estates. 


THE    NORMANS.  83 

The  native  princes  at  length  assembled  their  forces 
to  protect  their  patrimony  against  such  unjustifiable 
proceedings.  O'Brien  joined  O'Connor  (1174),  and  met 
the  army  of  Strongbowat  Thurles,i  where  tliey  inflicted 
a  crushing  defeat  on  the  invaders. 

O'Brien  now  became  very  active  against  the  new- 
comers, and  being  a  man  not  wanting  in  ability  did  much 
to  wipe  out  the  disgrace  of  submission  by  his  subsequent 
action. 

Raymond  le  Gros  assembled  a  strong  force  and 
marched  on  Limerick,  which  was  Donald's  stronghold. 
When  they  reached  the  city  all  the  bridges  were  broken 
down,  and  the  river  surrounding  it  was  deep  and  rapid. 
However,  having  found  a  ford,  they  were  soon  at  the 
other  side.  The  inhabitants  retreated  within  the  walls, 
but  were  quickly  followed  "W  the  Normans,  who  signal- 
ized the  victory  by  a  slaughter  of  the  citizens.  Having 
placed  a  garrison  in  the  town,  Raymond  went  to  another 
part  of  the  country,  where  his  services  were  required 
{1176).  Immediately  O'Brien  succeeded  in  getting  the 
city  again  into  his  possession,  but  had  to  evacuate  it 
on  the  return  of  the  Norman  forces.  Raymond  now 
remained  for  a  considerable  time  to  refresh  his  troops. 
During  the  interval  he  had  an  interview,  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  Killaloe,  with  O'Brien  and  Roderic  O'Connor, 
both  of  whom  again  renewed  their  allegiance  to  the  King 
of  England,  and  gave  hostages  for  their  good  behaviour. 

1177.  When  Strongbow  died,  Raymond  was  sum- 
moned to  Dublin.  Before  leaving,  he  appointed  Donald 
governor  of  Limerick,  as  a  mark  of  respect,  and  perhaps 
as  a  means  of  conciliating  him.  No  sooner  had  the 
English  crossed  over  the  bridge  than  it  was  broken 
down  behind  them,  and  they  beheld  with  grief  that 
noble   city,    so    well   fortified   and   containing   such   fair 

'See  Anns.   Four  Masters,  vol.  iii.,  p.    17. 


84  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

buildings  and  stored  with  all  manner  of  provisions 
collected  from  all  quarters,  given  to  the  flames,  fire  being 
set  to  it  in  four  places  by  Donald,  who  declared  that 
Limerick  should  be  no  longer  a  nest  for  foreigners. 

When  the  King  of  England  was  informed  of  the  results 
of  this  enterprise  he  is  reported  to  have  said,  "  the 
attack  of  Limerick  was  a  bold  adventure,  its  relief  a 
greater,  but  its  evacuation  an  act  of  pure  wisdom." 

Donald  being  now  free  from  the  Normans,  turned  his 
arms  against  the  Eugenians,  laying  waste  their  country 
with  fire  and  sword.  He  compelled  them  to  seek  shelter 
in  the  woods  and  fastnesses  of  West  Cork,  on  the  south 
side  of  the  Lee.  It  was  in  this  expedition  he  routed  the 
Donovans  of  Cairbre,  beyond  the  mountain  of  Manger- 
ton,  to  the  westward  part  of  the  County  Cork  (1178),^ 
where  they  settled  down  in  new  homes,  and  where  some 
of  their  descendants,  after  the  vicissitudes  of  centuries, 
are  to  be  found  in  opulence.  By  this  inroad  the 
martial  spirit  of  L^i  Fidhgente  was  quenched,  and  the 
name  even  dropped  out  of  use,  although  the  Annals 
mention  that  O'Colean-  of  Cleanglass  plundered  the 
country''  near  Lough  Gur  this  very  3^ear,  but  it  may  have 
been  before  Donald's  attack, 

Donald  was  engaged  in  many  conflicts  which  have 
no  direct  bearing  on  the  history  of  Limerick.  In  most 
of  them  he  was  victorious,  and  succeeded  in  maintaining 
the  independence  of  Limerick  up  to  the  time  of  his 
death,  which  took  place  in  the  year  1194.  He  was  a 
brave  and  skilful  adversary,  but  like  most  of  his  des- 
cendants thoroughly  selfish.  When  he  encountered  the 
invaders  on  equal  terms  he  was  always  victorious.  If  he 
maintained  the  same  determined  policy  against  the 
enemies  of  his  country  in  the  earlier  years  of  his  reign 


1  See  Anns.  Four  blasters,  vol.  iii.,  p.  45,  notes. 

2  Ibid. 


THE   NORMANS.  85 

that  he  displayed  in  his  dechning  years,  the  fate  of  Ireland 
might  have  been  different. 

Brictius,    the    Bishop    of    Limerick,    after    Donald's 
surrender  to  Henry,  went  to  the  Synod  of  Cashel,  and 
promised  to  put  in  force  in  his  diocese  the  disciplinary 
canons  that  were  passed  at  that  synod.      He  also  assisted 
at  the  General  Council  of  Lateran.     On  his  way  he  had 
to  pass  through  England  and  take  an  oath  that  he  with 
his  companions  would  do  nothing  at  that  Council  against 
the  interests  of  the  king.     From  the  State  Papers  i  we 
learn  that  he  travelled  with  St.  Laurence  O'Toole,  Arch- 
bishop of  Dublin,  and  that  the  king  paid  their  passage. 
1 188.  It  was  during  his   reign   that    Hugh   Beaghan, 
Bishop  of  Scattery,  died,  and  then,  with  the  help  of  the 
new  powers,  Brictius  was  able  to  put  on  a  permanent  basis 
the  laws  passed  by  Gillebert  regarding  the  extent  of   his 
diocese.     He  was  ahve  in  1194,  as  he  is  supposed  to  have 
received  in  that  year  a  grant  of  land  from  Donald  O'Brien 
The  document  is  still  extant,  and  runs  as  follows  : — 

Donald,  2  King  of  Lumneach,  to  all  the  faithful  of  God 
as  well  present  as  to  come,  greeting.  Know  ye  all  that 
I  have  granted  to  Brictius,  Bishop  of  Limerick,  and  his  suc- 
cessors, and  to  the  clergy  of  St.  Mary's,  Limerick,  in  free 
and  perpetual  alms  the  lands  of  Imungram  (Mungret),  and 
the  lands  of  Ivamnach  ;  that  is  from  the  arch  of  Imungram 
to  the  lands  of  Imahn  (now  Knocknagaul),  and  from  the 
ford  of  Cein,  to  the  river  Shannon,  with  all  their  appendices, 
and  in  ratification  of  this  my  grant  in  Fronkalmoigne,  I 
confirm  it  with  the  impression  of  my  seal. 

Witness,  Lord  Matthew,  Archbishop  of  Cashel,  and  Roger 
O'Grady. 

This  grant  is  substantially  the  same  as  the  present 
parish  of  Mungret,  which  will  be  treated  of  more  fully 
when  we  come  to  the  Bishop's  Manors.     The  exact  date 

'<  S.C.D.I.,  year  1178-79,  No.  56. 
^  B.B.L.,  page  21. 


86  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

of  this  good  bishop's  death  is  unknown,  but  it  is  thought 
to  have  taken  place  about  the  year  1199. 

The  Early  Norman  Settlements  in  Limerick. 

1 1 79.  Henry  watched  closely  the  career  of  his  Norman, 
subjects  in  Ireland,  and  fearing  they  might  shake  off  their 
allegiance  he  appointed  his  son  John,  Lord  of  the  country. 
John  parcelled  out  Leinster  and  Munster  amongst 
some  of  his  most  powerful  nobles.  The  lands  lying 
between  Cork  and  Lismore  were  given  to  De  Cogan  and 
FitzStephen.  The  kingdom  of  Limerick  ^  was  granted  to 
Herbert  Fitzherbert,  who  resigned  it  in  favour  of  Philip 
de  Braosa  (Bruce),  who  is  thought  to  be  the  same  as 
Philip  of  Worcester.  Cogan  and  FitzStephen  having 
secured  their  new  possessions,  marched  with  a  large  army 
to  establish  Philip  in  his  new  kingdom.  When  the 
Limerick  people  saw  the  army  approaching  they  at  once 
set  fire  to  the  city.  Braosa  perceiving  the  determina- 
tion of  the  enemy  did  not  risk  the  chance  of  defeat» 
especially  as  his  followers  were  for  the  most  part  drawn 
from  the  scum  of  South  Wales,  who  came  for  plunder 
rather  than  fight. 

The  English  became  again  masters  of  the  city  soon 
after  Donald's  death,  as  we  find  that  John  Strafford,  a  man 
of  that  nation,  was  appointed  Provost  in  the  year  1195. 
History  does  not  relate  how  this  change  came  about. 

John,  as  Earl  of  Morton,  took  a  great  interest  in 
the  welfare  of  the  city.  While  residing  at  Killaloe,  in 
the  year  1197,  he  granted  a  charter  to  it  which  conferred 
great  privileges  on  the  citizens.'^ 

'  See  Geraldus  Camb.,  p.  284-5. 

'  True  copy  of  this  charter  : — 

John,  Lord  of  Ireland,  Earl  of  Morton,  to  the  Archbishops,  Bishops, 
Abbots,  Earls,  Barons,  Justiciaries,  Bailiffs,  and  to  all  his  servants 
and  faithful  subjects  of  all  Ireland  greeting  :  know  ye  that  we  have 
given,  and  by  this  Charter  confirmed  for  us  and  our  heirs  unto  the 
citizens  of  Limerick,  that  they  and  their  heirs  do  have  and  hold  the 


THE    NORMANS.  8/ 

1 198.  They  were  not  long  in  the  enjoyment  of  this 
royal  boon,  when  M'Carthy,  King  of  Desmond,  cap- 
tured the  city,  and  put  the  English  to  flight.  The  reverse 
of  fortune  was  only  temporary. 

Most  of  the  documents  relating  to  Limerick  during 
Richard's  reign  are  missing,  but  from  the  position  of 
affairs  as  revealed  in  King  John's  time,  it  seems  that 
the  invaders  were  actively  engaged  in  subduing  and 
exterminating  the  natives.  Hamo  de  Valoignes  legally 
secured  them  in  those  newly  made-conquests,  and  John, 
as  Earl  of  Morton,  and  afterwards  as  king,  formally 
sanctioned  them. 

When  John  became  King  of  England,  he  still  paid 
a  good  deal  of  attention  to  the  affairs  of  Ireland.  He 
appointed  as  Justiciary  Myler  Fitzhenry,  who  was  one 
of  the  first  batch  of  invaders,  and  remarkable  for  the 
bravery  he  displayed  in  the  early  campaigns  against  the 
Irish.  Perceiving  the  necessity  of  fixing  his  power  in 
Munster  on  a  soUd  footing.  King  John  gave  formal 
sanction  to  all  who  had  acquired  possessions  there 
during  the  vice-royalty  of  Hamo.  To  carry  out  the 
design  of  the  king,  Wilham   de    Burgo,    marched    into 

City  of  Limerick  with  all  the  appurts,  and  burgages  internal  and  ex- 
ternal to  the  city,  appertaining  in  fee  farm  by  the  return  which  was 
appointed  by  Hamond  de  Valois  with  pleas  and  aiguists,  and  that 
they  have  all  the  liberties  and  free  customs  through  all  Ireland  which 
the  citizens  of  Dublin  have  ;  wherefore,  we  will,  and  firmly  prescribe 
that  our  citizens  of  Limerick  and  their  heirs  after  them,  to  have  and 
to  hold  all  the  liberties  and  free  customs  aforesaid  and  as  presented. 
For  the  rest  know  ye  that  [we  hold  as]  ratified,  and  well  pleasing,  and 
established  for  ever,  the  deliverances  of  burgages  with  all  the  liberties 
and  prescriptions  which  Hamond  de  Valois  made  in  the  city  of 
Limerick,  as  he  let  the  aforesaid  burgages  to  my  citizens  of  the  same 
city. 

[Whereof  1  these  are  witnesses,  Killaloe,    i8th  day  of  December, 
in  the  Ninth  Year  of  King  Richard's  reign  (a.d.  1197-98). 

Hugo  De  Valois. 

Richard  De  Force. 

Fulke  De  Carolupo. 

Hubert  De  Burgo. 
(Translated  from  the  Arthur  MSS.)  Lenihan's  History  of  Limerick. 
p.  47  n. 


88  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

Munster,    and    effected    a     permanent     settlement     at 
Limerick,  which  has  since  defied  the  power  of  the  Gael. 

John  granted  De  Burgo  the  custody  of  the  city,  a 
portion  of  the  country  round  Castle  Connell,  and  in 
1199,  he  alsr-  received  a  grant  of  Ardpatrick,  with  the 
residue  of  the  cantred  of  Fontimel.  According  to  the 
Black  Book  of  Limerick  he  was  Sheriff  of  Munster. 
While  at  Limerick  he  won  over  to  his  side  the  sons  of 
Donald  O'Brien,  With  these  new  allies  and  the  English 
of  Munster  he  marched  as  far  as  Cork,  where  he  spent  a 
week  plundering  the  Gaels  and  laying  waste  their  lands 

About  this  time  the  O'Connors  of  Connaught  began 
to  quarrel  amongst  themselves.  Taking  advantage  of 
this  dispute  De  Burgo  enforced  his  claim  to  the  lands 
granted  to  him  by  King  John  in  that  country.  The 
usurper  at  once  complied  with  the  demand  in  order  to 
secure  the  help  of  such  a  powerful  ally.  De  Burgo  1 
then  marched  into  Connaught,  and  after  some  stiff 
fighting  placed  his  friend  on  the  throne. 

After  returning  to  Limerick  he  became  more  or  less 
an  independent  chief,  making  peace  and  war  at  his  own 
good  pleasure.  Fitzhenry,  the  Justiciary,  became  alarmed 
at  these  proceedings,  and  marched  into  Munster  to  curb 
the  ambition  of  this  noble,  who  acted  more  like  a  royal 
potentate  than  a  subject.  On  the  march  he  was  joined 
by  the  exiled  Connaught  chief,  and  of  course  an  O'Brien 
of  Thomond.  This  was  the  first  time  that  an  English 
governor  was  seen  leading  the  Gael  to  suppress  his 
own  countrymen.  Myler  immediately  invested  the  city 
When  De  Burgo  saw  the  great  superiority  of  the  opposing 
forces  he  surrendered  to  the  representative  of  his  king. 
He  was  then  sent   to  the  court   of  John,^   but  before 

1  See  Anns.  Four  Alasiers,  vol.  iii.,  year  1199,  also  year  1201 
notes,  also  Leland,  History  of  Ireland,  vol.  i.  chap.  6,  Dublin,  Third 
Edition,  1774. 

2  See  5.C.£>.7.,  vol.  i.  (1171-1251),  Nos.  181,  187,  213,  214,  230. 
See  also  Anns.  Four  blasters,  vol.  iii.,  pp.   144-5,  notes. 


THE   NORMANS.  oQ 

leaving  was  compelled  to  place  hostages  in  the  Viceroy's 
keeping,  as  a  guarantee  of  good  faith.  The  king  received 
his  old  friend  graciously,  and  wrote  to  Myler  that  De 
Burgo  was  to  be  restored  to  all  his  possessions,  including 
the  castles  of  Killefeacle  and  Askeaton,  but  still  to  retain 
the  hostages. 

1204.  After  a  short  trip  to  Normandy  with  his  royal 
master  he  returned  to  Ireland,  and  was  reinstated  in  all 
his  property.  He  died  towards  the  end  of  the  same 
year,  and  was  interred  in  a  monastery  founded  by  him- 
self, under  the  invocation  of  St.  Edmond,  king  and 
martyr,  for  Augustinian  Canons  at  Athiseal  (low  ford), 
in  the  county  of  Tipperary,  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Suir, 
in  the  barony  of  Clanwilliam. 

The  grants  of  land  that  are  mentioned  in  the  State 
Papers  as  having  been  made  at  the  close  of  this  century 
ia  Limerick,  are  here  set  down  :— 

1199.1  Hamo  de  Valoignes,  an  Anglo-Norman  knight 
of  Suffolk,  was  justiciary  of  the  country  from  1197  to 
1 199.  During  his  term  of  offtce  he  got  a  grant  of  two 
cantreds  of  land  in  Hockenil  (Hy  Conaill)  to  hold  of  the 
king  by  the  service  of  ten  knights.  In  a  letter  written 
by  the  king  in  the  3'ear  1200  he  refers  to  Hamo  as  being 
disabled  by  infirmity  to  execute  his  employments  in 
England.  The  custody  of  his  Irish  property  was  granted 
to  Hugh  de  Neville,  and  subsequently  to  Wilham  de 
Burgh.  The  castle  of  Hinniskisty  (Askeaton)  was  part 
of  the  property,  a  fact  which  clearly  shows  that  the 
two  cantreds  lay  in  the  neighbourhood  of  that  castle. 
The  estate  was  restored  to  Hamo's  son  and  heir  in  the 
year  1212. 

1199.-  Robert  Sergant  got  a  grant  of  one  knight's  fee 

'  See  Index  to  first  volume,  S.C.D.I.,  where  under  Valoignes, 
Hamo  de,   all   the  references  to  him  will  be  found. 

2  See  S.C.D.I.  under  year  1199  for  this  and  following  grant. 


go  DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 

at  Clonhuhirdecan  (Caherdavin  ?)  and  Clonomincan 
(Clonmakin  ?),  in  the  fee  of  Huertheru.  He  also 
received  four  burgages,  two  of  which  were  in  the  island 
and  two  between  the  city  and  the  bridge,  at  each  side 
of  the  latter,  near  the  wall ;  all  being  outside  the  city. 

A  grant  to  Walter  Crop  of  one  knight's  fee  at  Karvthi 
(Carnarr}^),  and  Kalke,  in  the  fee  of  Hoctierne,  in  the 
cantred  of  Huhene.i 

1200.2  William  de  Breouse  (Bruce)  nephew  to  PhiHp 
before  mentioned,  received  a  grant  of  the  honor  of 
Limerick  for  5,000  marcs.  He  had  already  large  pos- 
sessions in  Normand}^  England,  and  Wales,  to  which 
peculiar  immunities  and  privileges  were  attached- 
For  many  years  he  stood  high  in  the  confidence  of  the 
king,  into  whose  hands  he  delivered  Prince  Arthur  of 
Bretagne,  the  rival  claimant  to  the  English  crown,  who 
had  been  captured  while  besieging  his  grandmother,  the 
old  Queen  Eleanor,  in  the  fortress  of  Mirabeau,  in  Poitou 
His  wife  had  the  reputation  of  being  a  prudent  and 
virtuous  lady.  His  sons  and  daughters  were  married 
into  the  flower  of  the  English  aristocracy. 

Philip  deferred  for  some  years  the  payment  of  the 
money  he  promised  the  Crown.  Hence  disputes  arose 
between  him  and  the  king  which  reached  a  climax  when 
the  latter,  to  secure  himself  against  Papal  excommuni- 
cation, required  the  English  nobles  to  place  their  children 
in  the  royal  custody  as  pledges  of  their  fidelity.  Breouse's 
wife  refused  to  comply  with  this  mandate,  and  was  reported 
to  have  said  that  the  sons  of  her  kinsfolk  would  not  be  safe 
in  the  custody  of  John,  as  it  was  publicly  rumoured 
that  he  murdered  with  his  own  hands  Prince  Arthur, 
the  son  of  his  elder  brother  and  rightful  heir  to  the 
throne  of  England.     John  immediately  seized  Breouse's 

'  Also  Black  Book,  p.  89. 

2  See  S.C.D.I.,  year  1200,  also  Gilbert's  Viceroys  of  Ireland,  p.  68- 
and  following. 


THE    NORMANS  9 1 

property  in  lieu  of  the  money  due  for  the  honor  of 
Limerick.  He  next  endeavoured  to  capture  de  Breouse 
himself.  After  many  attempts  he  succeeded  in  getting 
the  wife  and  his  son  Wilham  into  his  hands,  and  im- 
prisoned them  in  Windsor  Castle,  where  they  were 
starved  to  death.  The  husband  was  more  fortunate,  as 
he  escaped  to  France  in  the  disguise  of  a  beggar,  where 
he  died  soon  afterwards  (1214),  and  was  buried  in  the 
Abbey  "of  St.  Victor,  by  his  brother  Gillies,  Bishop  of 
Hereford. 

Henry  III  made  amends  for  his  father,  by  restoring 
in  1277  all  Philip's  possessions  in  Munster  to  his  son 
Reginald,  who  swore  fealty, 

1206.  Myler  Fitzhenry  got  a  mandate  from  the  king 
to  hold  an  inquisition  by  the  liegemen  of  the  kingdoms 
of  Cork  and  Limerick,  whether  the  castle  of  Kilmallock, 
and  the  cantreds  of  Karbery,  Wahtrah,  Slevardat,  Cumsy, 
etc.,  belong  to  the  kingdoms  of  Cork  or  Limerick.  There 
is  no  account  extant  of  the  result  of  this  inquisition. 
But  as  some  of  those  places  were  then  and  now  in  the 
county  of  Limerick,  it  proves  that  some  territorial  divi- 
sions such  as  counties,  were  made  at  a  very  early  period 
of  the  Norman  occupation.  ^ 


1  S.C.D.T.,  vol.  i.,  No.  2S9. 


XTbirteentb  (Xenturv^ 


CHAPTER  VII. 

THE    CHURCHES    OF    THE    DIOCESE. 

At  the  opening  of  the  thirteenth  century  Donat  O'Brien, 
a  scion  of  the  royal  house  of  that  name,  was  bishop  of 
the  diocese. 

In  the  year  1201,1  Myler  Fitzhenr}'  ordered  an  in- 
quisition to  be  held  regarding  the  ecclesiastical  property 
of  the  diocese.  William  de  Burgh  presided  over  the 
inquiry,  with  a  jury  composed  of  twelve  Irish,  twelve 
English,  and  twelve  Danes.  The  three  races  that  formed 
the  population  of  the  city  and  county  were  equally  re- 
presented. It  proves  what  a  strong  settlement  of  Danes 
must  have  been  in  the  city  and  county  when  they  were 
entitled  to  such  a  representation.  This  is  a  very  valuable 
document,  as  it  throws  great  light  in  the  early  history 
of  the  Church  in  Limerick.  At  the  end  of  the  list  of 
cliurches  there  will  be  given  a  more  detailed  comment 
on  this  document,  which  is  taken  from  the  Blazk  Book. 

Imlcchdroinggi. 

The  first  church  mentioned  in  the  inquisition  is 
Imlcchdroinggi,  and  like  all  Irish  words  of  this  period 
has  many  forms,  such  as  Imlachdreyn,  Imlachdreyng,  &c. 
It  is  now  written  Emlygrenan,  which  means  (Bile- 
Ghroidhnin),!  "  Grenan's  ancient  tree."  The  name  is 
taken  from  the  townland  where  the  church  was  built, 
and  in  the  course  of  time  applied  to  the  present  parish. 
The  graveyard  of  that  name  marks  the  site  of  the  ancient 

1  See  B.B.L.,  p.   14. 

2  See  Irish  Names  (Joyce),  ist  Series. 


THE    CHURCHES   OF   THE    DIOCESE.  93 

church  which  was  dedicated  to  St.  Mohia,  and  may  have 
been  one  of  his  numerous  foundations  in  the  territory 
of  Hy  Fidhgente.  The  wall  surrounding  the  graveyard 
was  built  by  the  Kilmallock  Board  of  Guardians,  and  is 
constructed  of  very  large  stones,  evidently  taken  from 
the  old  ruin,  thereby  demolishing  what  ought  to  have 
been  preserved. 

St.  Molua's  Well  i  is  in  the  middle  of  a  green  field 
near  the  graveyard,  without  bush  or  tree  of  any  kind 
near  it.  There  is  a  well  worn  path  made  around  it  by 
the  constant  tread  of  the  pilgrims  that  frequent  the 
place  to  invoke  the  aid  of  the  patron.  It  is  generally 
frequented  by  people  afflicted  by  ague  or  some  kindred 
diseases.  The  recognised  custom  coming  down  from 
remote  times  is  for  the  pilgrims  who  visit  this  shrine  to 
come  on  three  successive  Saturdays,  and  while  walking 
the  path,  to  recite  six  Paters  and  six  Aves.  Then  they 
kneel  beside  the  well  and  say  together  one  third  of  the 
Rosary.  They  then  drink  of  the  water  some  of  which 
is  taken  to  invalids  at  home.  The  local  festival,  called 
the  Pattern,  is  kept  on  the  3rd  of  August,  when  the 
people  of  the  surrounding  country  assemble  to  honour 
the  saint,  and  place  themselves  under  his  special  pro- 
tection for  the  coming  year. 

Many  in  distant  lands,  suffering  from  diseases,  have 
been  known  to  write  to  their  friends,  living  near  the 
well,  to  perform  the  rounds  for  them.  By  the  effiicacy 
of  their  prayers  the  invalids  have  been  known  to  be 
restored  to  health. 

Kylmechelloc  ^  {Kilmallock). 
Kilmallock   derives   its   name   from   St.    Mocheallog- 

1  See  O'Hanlon,  Lives  of  Irish  Saints,  vol.  viii.,  p.  69  ;  4th  August 
has  been  generally  assigned  as  the  Saint's  feast,  see  O'Hanlon,  vol.  viii., 
p.  65. 

2  See  Colgan,  A.S.H.,  p.  749  ;  also  O'Hanlon,  vol.  iii.,  March  26th. 


94  DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 

There  is  no  regular  life  of  this  saint  extant,  but  from 
allusions  to  him  in  the  lives  of  other  saints  we  learn 
that  he  flourished  in  the  end  of  the  sixth  and  begin- 
ning of  the  seventh  centuries.  He  is  usually  styled 
Mochelloc  of  Cather-mac-Conchaigh,  an  ancient  city 
of  Lismore.  In  his  younger  days  he  studied  under  St. 
Declan.  Some  authorities  say  he  was  both  bishop  and 
abbot.  1 

The  ruins  of  the  church  he  founded  are  situated  on  a 
gently  rising  eminence,  about  one  mile  north-west  of 
the  present  town  of  Kilmallock.  There  are  only  about 
two  feet  in  height  of  the  walls  of  the  old  church  standing, 
and  they  are  nearly  covered  with  earth  and  grass.  The 
length  of  the  building,  judging  from  what  remains, 
would  be  22  ^  feet  long,  and  12  feet  3  inches  wide.  The 
thickness  of  the  walls  would  be  about  3  feet.  The  few 
stones  of  the  foundations  that  are  visible  are  large,  and 
no  lime  discernible  between  them. 

There  is  a  graveyard  attached  to  the  ruin,  but  it 
is  now  scarcely  ever  used.  St.  Mocheallog  died  some- 
time between  the  years  639  and  656.  According  to  the 
Calendars  his  feast  day  falls  on  the  26th  March.  Very 
little  is  known  about  the  monastery  founded  here  by 
our  samt,  except  the  following  entries  which  occur  in 
the  Annals  of  the  Four  Masters  : — 

1028.  Flaithnia  Ua  Tighernain,  lector  of  Cill-Dacheallog 
died. 

1050.  Conall,  airchinneach  of  Cill-Mocheallog  and  its 
lector  previously,  died.  [He  was  the  officer  or  steward  who 
regulated  the  lands  belonging  to  the  monastery.  After 
deducting  his  own  expenses,  gave  the  remainder  to  the 
church  and  the  poor.  He  was  bound  to  keep  the  church  in 
repair.  The  Airchinneach  was  usually  a  layman,  and  the 
office  as  a  rule  was  hereditary.] 

lO.S.L..  R.I. A. 


THE  CHURCHES    OF    THE    DIOCESE. 


95 


Ardmacwelan, 
now  known  as  Ardevolan,  near  Kilmallock.     There  was 
no  church  there  in  1615. 

Brugrinuysi  (Bruree)  or  Brugriminsi  {perhaps  Brugrimiinsi). 
The  old  church  was  near  the  present  village  of  Bruree. 
There  is  a  well  in  the  village  dedicated  to  St.  Munchin, 
whose  festival  is  kept  as  a  holiday  in  the  parish. 


ARDPATRICK    CHURCH. 

Ardpatrick.^ 
The  ruins  of  this  church  are  to  be  seen  on  the  hill 
of  that  name  about  four  miles  south  of  Kilmallock,  and 
command  a  pleasant  prospect.  St.  Patrick  built  a  church 
here,  which  in  the  course  of  time  developed  into  a  monas- 
tery, the  history  of  which  has  been  completeh^  lost. 
The  old  church  is  a  plainly  built  structure,  with  walls 
of  great  thickness.     The  doorway  was  surmounted  by  a 

I  O.S.L.,  R.I.A.  ;  O'Hanlon,  vol.  iii.,  p.  700. 


q6  diocese  of  limerick. 

bartizan.  A  similar  contrivance  may  be  seen  in  the  old 
castles,  which  is  called  by  the  people  a  "  murdering 
hole."  It  projected  from  the  highest  part  of  the  wall, 
and  the  corbels  that  supported  it  are  still  there.  This 
mode  of  defence  was  used  for  throwing  boihng  water,. 
melted  lead,  or  such  things  on  people  endeavouring  to 
force  the  church  door. 

A  short  distance  to  the  west  of  the  church  there  is  a 
stump  of  a  round  tower,  which  must  have  been  one  of 
the  finest  in  Ireland  in  its  day,  judging  from  the  site. 
There  is  also  a  well  near  the  tower  said  to  be  forty  feet 
in  depth  and  lined  with  stones,   but   now  closed  up. 

The  following  entries  are  taken  from  the  Annals  of 
the  Four  Masters  : — 

1 114.  Ardpatrick  was  burned. 

1129.  Celsus,  successor  of  St.  Patrick,  a  son  of  purity 
and  Archbishop  of  the  West  of  Europe,  the  only  head  whDm 
the  foreigners  and  the  Irish  of  Ireland,  both  clergy  and 
laity,  obeyed  ;  after  having  ordained  bishops,  priests,  and 
persons  of  every  degree,  after  having  consecrated  many 
churches  and  cemeteries,  after  bestowing  jewels  and  wealth, 
after  having  estabhshed  rules  and  good  morals  among  ah, 
both  laity  and  clergy  ;  after  having  spent  a  Hfe  of  fasting 
and  prayer  and  Mass  celebration,  after  unction  and  good 
penance,  resigned  his  spirit  to  heaven  at  Ardpatrick  in 
Munster,  on  the  first  day  of  April,  on  Monday  precisely,  in 
the  fiftieth  year  of  his  age.  His  body  was  conveyed  to 
Lismore  Macuda  in  accordance  with  his  own  will.  It  was 
waked  with  psalms,  hymns,  and  canticles,  and  interred 
with   honour   on   the   Thursday   following. 


Kilcomgai7i,'^ 
otherwise     Kilconegan,     alias     Kilquane.     This    church 

1  See  B.B.L.,  p.  104  ;  also  Memorials  of  Adare,  p.  289. 


THE    CHURCHES    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  97 

formed  part  of  the  Prebend  of  St.  Munchin's,  and  was 
in  the  deanery  of  Kilmallock. 


Calathawa.^ 

There  was  a  townland  formerly  called  Ballycallowe, 
in  the  parish  of  Uregare.     Perhaps  they  are  the  same. 

CUiencomarda  - 

—  (Lawn  of  the  sign  or  token).  This  church  is  now 
known  as  Coleman's  Well,  and  about  two  miles  or  so 
to  the  south  of  Bruree  parish.  The  Coleman  that  is 
honoured  here  at  present  is  Coleman  of  Kilmacduagh, 
whose  feast  is  kept  on  the  29th  of  October.  Dr.  Young,=^ 
Bishop  of  the  diocese,  says  in  a  note  in  White's  MS. 
that  the  patron  is  Coleman  of  Cloyne. 

Coleman  was  Bishop  of  Cloyne,  and  descended  from 
the  royal  family  of  Munster,  He  was  remarkable  for 
his  poetical  talents,  and  is  the  author  of  the  metrical 
Life  of  St.  Senan.  St.  Ita  foretold  his  conversion  to 
St.  Brendan  of  Clonfert,  which  took  place  about  the 
middle  of  the  sixth  century,  after  assisting  at  the  in- 
auguration of  the  King  of  Cashel  as  a  royal  bard.  He 
died  in  the  year  601  or  604,  on  the  24th  of  November. 

Tullachless  * 

—  Tullach  Leas  —  the  hill  of  the  huts.  It  is  now  known 
as  Tullylease,  in  the  diocese  of  Cloyne,  Co.  Cork,  about 
one  mile  south  of  Drumcollogher.     The  patron  saint  of 

1  See  Census  of  Ireland  MS.  in  R.I. A.,  attributed  to  the  year 
1659.      I  made  a  copy  of  it  in  1902. 

2  See  War  of  the  Gaedhill  with  the  Gaill,  chap,  iv.,  note  3. 

3  See  Lenihan,  History  of  Limerick,  p.  560. 

*  See  an  Essay  by  Dr.  Reeves  in  Ulster  Journal  of  Archceology, 
July,  1858  ;  O'Hanlon,  LJI/C5  of  Irish  Saints,  vol.  ii.,  p.  625. 

H 


C)8  DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 

this  church  is  St.  Beretchert,  locally  called  Benjamin. 
According  to  the  Annals  of  the  Four  Masters  his  death 
took  place  in  the  year  839,  "  Berichter  of  Tulach-leis, 
died  6th  December."  He  was  brother  of  St.  Gerald  of 
Mayo,  and  son  of  a  Saxon  prince.  They  are  represented 
as  leaving  England  after  the  Synod  of  Whitby,  and 
came  over  to  Ireland  with  a  great  many  followers.  The 
name  is  a  Saxon  one,  and  variously  written.  Local 
tradition  asserts  that  he  came  to  TuUylease  from  the 
parish  of  CuUen,  where  he  lived  and  died,  as  his  tomb- 
stone is  yet  to  be  seen  leaning  against  the  east  wall  of 
the  old  church. 

It  is  a  plain  flag  of  sandstone,  measuring  3  feet  in 
length  and  2  in  breadth,  elaborately  finished,  and  the 
edges  well  defined.  The  upper  corner  of  the  right  side 
has  been  broken  off,  and  many  careful  searches  have 
been  made  for  it  without  success.  Some  fragments  of 
stones  were  found  having  circular  patterns  of  great  age 
smiilar  to  those  on  the  slab.  There  can  be  no  doubt 
but  the  part  broken  off  contained  the  letters  "  I  H  S 
Jesus,"  as  a  counterpart  to  "X  P  S  Christus,"  which 
occupies  the  other  angle.  The  inscription  is  written  in 
a  rude  form  of  Irish  letter,  near  the  base  of  the  old  Celtic 
cross  on  the  slab.     It  is  as  follows  : — 

Qui  cumque  hunc  titulo 

legerit  orat  pro 

Berechtune, 

Dr.  Reeves  explains  the  strange  spelling  of  the 
saint's  name  in  the  inscription  as  the  result  of  ignorance 
or  carelessness  of  the  sculptor.  This  is  one  of  the  very 
few  inscribed  stones  to  be  met  with  in  this  part  of  the 
country,  and  deserves  more  care  than  is  bestowed  upon 
it. 

There  is  another  coffin-shaped  stone  near  the  slab 
leaning   against   the   same  wall,   on  which  is   engraved 


THE    CHURCHES    OF    THE    DIOCESE. 


99 


the  figure  of  a  man  with  a  curled  head  of  hair,  a  swallow- 
tailed  coat,  breeches,  and  boots,  under  which  is  cut  in 


ST.    BERETCHEART'S    TOMBSTONE,     AT    TULLYLEASE,     CO.    CORK. 

modern  letters,  Berichert.     The  figure  was  made  by  a 
stone-cutter  of  Charleville,  about  the  year  1830,  and  has 


100  DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 

been  much  injured  of  late  by  the  scratching  of  a  cross 
with  a  rough  stone  by  some  of  those  who  frequent  the 
place  to  pay  rounds. 

The  old  church  looks  hke  a  thirteenth  century 
building,  but  the  foundations  of  a  much  older  one  are 
pointed  out.  Near  the  church  is  the  holy  well,  much 
frequented  by  the  people  of  the  counties  of  Limerick 
and  Cork. 

At  the  dissolution  of  monasteries  in  Ireland,  it 
formed  a  portion  of  the  possessions  of  the  monastery  of 
Kells,  Co.  Kilkenny. 

The  feast  of  the  saint  has  been  unaccountably  trans- 
ferred from  the  6th  of  December  to  the  i8th  of  February. 
This  must  have  taken  place  a  long  time  ago,  as  there 
is  no  one  alive  who  remembers  the  change.  On  the 
patron's  day  great  multitudes  assembled  at  the  station, 
when  Mass  used  to  be  celebrated,  but  is  now  dis- 
continued. 

The  O'Nunans  were  hereditary  wardens  of  this  church 
and  proprietors  of  the  land  of  Tullylease,  Castleishen, 
and  Muscary  O'Noonan  i  (parish  of  Drumcollogher).  They 
were  bound  to  keep  the  church  in  repair,  and  defray  the 
expenses  of  Divine  service,  for  which  the  lands  were 
originally  granted. 2 

Kildeochaliathain 

—  Killogholehan.  This  old  church  is  situated  in  a 
narrow  valley,  south  of  the  village  of  Broadford,  and 
gives  its  name  to  a  parish.  It  is  a  very  ancient  ruin, 
and  in  a  fair  state  of  preservation,  as  it  was  repaired 
some  years  ago  by  the  Board  of  Works.  At  one  time 
it  was  a-  pure  Celtic  church,  measuring  about  50  feet 
long  and  30  feet  wide.     After  the  coming  of  the  English » 

1  Peyton's  Survey. 

2  O'Brien's  Irish  Dictionary,  last  page. 


THE    CHURCHES    OF    THE    DIOCESE.  lOI 

windows  and  doors  of  the  Norman  style  were  inserted, 
but  it  still  preserves  the  outline  of  the  primitive  style. 
At  the  Gospel  side  of  the  altar,  which  is  in  a  fair  state 
of  preservation,  there  are  the  remains  of  a  tomb  of  an 
elaborate  kind  erected  over  some  person  of  consequence 
in  his  day,  but  now  forgotten. 


KILLOGHOLEHAN    CHURCH. 

Like  Tullylease,  it  belonged  to  the  monastery  ot 
Kells.  There  are  very  few  burials  there  now.  It  was 
dedicated  to  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary  ad  Nives,  5th 
August.i 

Clucncrema  {Clo)icrew).~ 

Cluain  Creamha  (a  meadow  of  wild  garlic).  This  church 
is  a  few  miles  east  of  Drumcollogher,  and  gives  its  name 
to  a  parish.  It  belonged  to  the  archdeacon,  and  in 
Elizabeth's  time  it  is  set  down  as  one  of  the  old  church 

1  See  Lenihan's  History  of  Limerick,  p.  564. 

2  0.5.L..   R.I. A. 


102  DIOCESE    OF   IIMERICK. 

tiiaths  1  which  was  exempted  from  taxes.  It  was 
dedicated  to  St.  Borthanus. 

DrumcollechaeUi  .^ 

Drum-coU-coille,  height  of  the  hazel  wood  or  Hazel- 
mount,  now  Drumcollogher.  This  church  was  in  the 
tuath  of  Corkomoyd,  and  in  after  years  became  a  chapel 
to  the  church  of  that  name,  and  was  served  by  a  resident 
chaplain.  It  was  burned  dow^n  about  1303.  The  present 
ruin  is  near  the  town  at  the  south  side,  and  probably 
dates  from  the  burning  of  the  older  one.  It  was  dedi- 
cated to  St,  Bartholomew. 

Cluenclaidmcch. 

Some  of  our  antiquarians  erroneously  identify  this 
church  with  Cloncagh.  The  following  references  to  it 
are  to  be  found  in  the  life  of  St.  Maidoc*  of  Ferns. 

Maidoc,  having  heard  that  some  of  his  countrymen  were 
imprisoned  in  Hy  Conaill,  went  to  visit  the  chief  of  the  district 
where  they  were  confmed  to  obtain  their  release.  When  he 
arrived  at  the  rath  of  the  chieftain,  he  was  not  permitted 
to  enter  the  enclosure  nor  allowed  to  see  the  chief.  The 
saint  remained  near  the  rath  for  some  days  in  prayer.  After 
a  striking  manifestation  of  God's  power  through  the  in- 
strumentality of  Maidoc  this  chief  relented,  and  miade  an 
humble  apology  to  the  saint  for  his  harsh  treatment  of  him. 
As  a  proof  of  the  sincerity  of  his  repentance  he  bestowed 
the  rath  on  Maidoc  to  found  a  monastery. 

The  place  where  this  remarkable  event  took  place 
is  called  in  Colgan's  life  of  the  Saint,  Cluainclaidheach^ 
which     cannot    be     identified    with    Cloncagh,    as    that 

1  See  Peyton's  Sityvey. 
2O.S.L.,   R.I. A. 
^S.C.D.T.,   year   1306. 

4  See  Colgan  A.S.H.,  p.  213,  chap,  xxxviii.  ;  O'Hanlon,  vol.  i., 
chap,  v.,  p.  556. 


THE    CHURCHES    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  IO3 

church  occurs  further  on  in  this  Hst.  From  its  position 
in  this  hst,  between  DrumcoUogher  and  Clonelty,  it  must 
be  the  old  church  corresponding  with  Mahoonagh.  In 
the  townkmd  of  Balhnakill,  as  the  name  suggests,  there 
was  an  old  ruin,  and  evidently  the  one  referred  to.  There 
is  the  remains  of  an  old  church  in  Ballydoorty.  It  is 
related  in  the  same  life,  that  Maidoci  on  another  occasion 
paid  a  visit  to  Hy  Conaill  to  meet  his  confessor,  St- 
Molua,  who  was  then  on  a  visit  to  his  friends  in  the 
neighbouring  tuath  of  Corcoide.  The  name  of  the 
monastery  he  stopped  at  is  not  given,  but  from  the 
nearness  to  Killeedy  it  must  have  been  this  one.  While 
staying  there  he  heard  a  great  ringing  of  bells,  and 
enquiring  what  was  the  reason,  he  was  informed  that  a 
beloved  sister  of  St.  Ita's  community  was  dead.  He 
sent  one  of  the  monks  with  his  crozier  and  ordered  him 
to  lay  it  on  the  breast  of  the  dead  sister.  The  disciple 
did  as  the  saint  directed  and  the  nun  was  immediately 
restored  to  life.  Cluainclaidheach  would  only  be  about 
three  miles  from    Killeedy. 

The  present  ruined  church  of  Mahoonagh  is  a  Norman 
building  dating  probably  from  the  foundation  of  the 
Manor. 

Clondti  iCloncliy)." 
The  rums  of  this  church  are  about  three  miles  east  of 
Mahoonagh.  The  church  took  its  name  from  the  town- 
land  where  it  is  built.  Clonelty  is  derived  from  Cluain, 
an  insulated  meadow  and  eiht,  a  doe,  and  gives  its  name 
also  to  the  parish.  The  old  church  is  now  popularly 
known  as  BaUinoe,  and  has  the  appearance  of  being  very 
old.  It  was  partly  modernized  and  fitted  up  for  Pro- 
testant worship  after  the    Reformation.     It   was   never 

1  Colgan,  A.S.H.,  p.  215,  chap.  liv.  ;  O'Hanlon,  chap,  vi.,  p.  564, 
vol.  i.  Irish  Saints. 

2  O.S.L..  R.I. A. 


104 


DIOCESE    OF    LniERICK. 


divided  into  a  nave  and  choir,  but  forms  one  oblong 
building.  It  measures  about  50  feet  in  length  and  21 
feet  in  breadth.  The  eastern  gable  has  almost  entirely 
disappeared,  but  the  western  one  is  in  a  fair  state  of  pre- 
servation and  covered  with  ivy.  In  the  southern  wall, 
about  3  feet  from  the  eastern  gable  there  is  a  small  window 


Extends  the 

wliole  thickness 

of  the  wall 


THE    DOORWAY    OF    CLONELTY    CHURCH. 

which  measures  in  the  inside  4  feet  6  inches  in  height, 
and  4  feet  2  inches  in  breadth.  It  forms  a  flat  arch  at 
top,  and  its  sides  are  built  of  cut  freestone.  On  the  out- 
side it  is  rectangular  in  shape  and  constructed  of  cut 
limestone.  The  west  gable  contains  a  semicircular 
headed  doorway  measuring  6  feet  11  inches  in  height, 
and  2  feet  7  inches  in  width  where  the  arch  springs,  and 


THE    CHURCHES    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  105 

2  feet  10  inches  at  bottom.  O'Donovan,  who  visited 
this  place,  looked  on  it  as  a  very  curious  specimen  of  our 
ancient  architecture,  and  well  worth  preserving. 

Clonki,^ 

Now  Cloncagh  (battle-field).  The  old  church  is  in  a 
state  of  great  dilapidation,  but  judging  from  what  remains 
it  seems  to  be  of  great  antiquity,  but  invested  with  a 
fictitious  importance,  since  it  was  thought  to  be  the 
church  in  connection  with  Maidoc's  monastery.  It  is 
built  in  a  large  moat  containing  seven  acres  of  land. 
According  to  a  local  legend  this  moat  was  surrounded 
by  an  enormous  serpent  whose  head  reached  to  its  tail 
when  St.  Patrick  visited  the  locality.  This  serpent  had 
a  habit  of  putting  his  tail  into  his  mouth  and  springing 
into  the  air  in  the  evenings  to  the  great  terror  and  dismay 
of  the  natives.  One  evening  when  St.  Patrick  saw  the 
monster  taking  his  usual  exercise,  he  struck  him  with 
a  missal  and  killed  him. 

There  is  a  holy  well  near  the  church  dedicated  to  St. 
Patrick  where  rounds  are  performed. 

Kilitc,  now  Killeedv,  see  life  of  St.  Ita. 


ArdacJi^^ 

Ardagh  (high  field).  This  church  is  about  two  miles 
north  of  Newcastle  West.  The  old  ruin  is  beside  the 
Catholic  church,  quite  close  to  the  railway  station.  It 
measures  about  20  feet  in  breadth,  but  its  length  cannot 
be  well  determined,  as  the  western  gable  has  entirely 
disappeared.  Judging,  however,  from  what  remains, 
it  was  considerable,  as  72  feet  of  the  south  wall  remains. 

1  O.S.L,,  R.I. A.     See  Archdall,  and  after  him  Petrie.  Round  Towers, 
O'Donovan,   etc. 

■■'O.S.L..  R.I. A. 


ro6  THE    DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

About  one  hundred  and  fifty  paces  to  the  south  of 
the  church  there  is  a  holy  weU  dedicated  to  St.  Molua, 
who  probably  founded  one  of  his  monasteries  here.  In 
times  gone  by  the  well  was  shaded  by  an  aged  ash  tree 
measuring  4  feet  6  inches  in  girth  at  the  base,  which  has 
now  disappeared.  It  is  still  frequented  by  the  parish- 
ioners who  pay  rounds  there  on  the  3rd  of  August,  th3 
eve  of  the  saint's  feast.  About  50  years  ago  the  4th  of 
August  was  kept  as  a  parish  holiday  in  honour  of  St. 
Molua,  but  the  custom  has  fallen  into  disuse. 


ARDAGH     CHALICE. 


The  Ardas!h  Chalice.^ 


In  the  month  of  September,  1868,  a  young  man 
named  Quin  was  digging  potatoes  at  the  south-western 
side  of  a  fort  called  Reerasta,  beside  the  village  of  Ardagh 


1  See  Lord  Dunraven's  Essay,  R.I. A.  Publications.  See  Most 
Rev.  Dr.  Healy,  Ireland's  Schools  and  Scholars,  p.  562.  Xtian  In- 
scriptions in  the  Irish  Language,  Edited  by  M.  Stokes. 


THE    CHURCHES    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  10/ 

and  near  the  Carrigkerry  road.  When  he  reached  the 
bank  close  to  a  thorn  bush  he  found  the  surface  soft,  and 
driving  his  spade  down  between  the  roots  of  the  thorn, 
he  found  it  strike  something  hard.  His  curiosity  being 
aroused,  he  cleared  away  the  earth,  and  at  the  depth 
of  3  feet  found  a  beautiful  cup  now  known  as  the  Ardagh 
chalice.  In  the  cup  there  was  a  smaller  one  made  of 
bronze  and  five  iibulae.  The  chalice  is  considered  to 
be  "  the  finest  specimen  of  Celtic  art  ever  yet  found." 
It  has  two  handles,  and  was  probably  used  for  the  com- 
munion of  the  laity,  when  the  Eucharist  was  admin- 
istered under  the  species  of  bread  and  wine.  This  cup, 
which  combines  classic  beauty  with  the  most  exquisite 
examples  of  almost  every  variety  of  Celtic  ornamenta- 
tion, is  7  inches  in  height  and  g^  inches  in  diameter.  The 
foot  is  64-  inches  in  diameter,  the  depth  of  the  bowl  is 
4^  inches,  and  it  would  contain  three  pints  of  liquid.  It  is 
composed  of  gold,  silver,  bronze,  brass,  copper,  and 
lead.  It  is  made  up  of  354  pieces,  including  20  rivets. 
There  is  a  beautiful  band  running  round  the  outside  of 
the  bowl  on  which  is  engraved  the  names  of  the  twelve 
Apostles  in  the  Roman  uncial  letters.  The  shape  of 
some  of  them  is  very  peculiar  and  only  to  be  found  in 
our  most  ancient  MSS.  The  Earl  of  Dunraven,  after 
examining  every  detail  of  its  composition,  pronounced 
it  to  be  a  work  of  art  of  the  ninth  or  tenth  century. 
There  is  nothing  known  of  the  history  of  this  precious 
relic  of  a  lost  art,  or  how  it  came  to  be  buried  in  the  Rath. 
It  is  suggested  that  it  is  one  of  the  valuable  cups  that  were 
stolen  from  Clonmacnoise,  in  the  year  1125,  by  a  Limerick 
Dane,  who  was  captured  and  hanged  the  following  year. 
Be  that  as  it  may.  A  few  years  ago  I  had  occasion  to 
call  on  an  old  lady  in  St.  Munchin's  parish.  I  found 
on  the  parlour  table  an  old  timber  cross  of  the  Celtic 
type,  measuring  about  8  inches  in  length.  I  asked  her 
the  history  of  it.     She  told  me  her  son  was  very  intimate 


I08  THE    DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

with  Dr.  O'Connor,  parish  priest  of  Ardagh,  and  while 
on  a  visit  to  that  clergyman  the  articles  that  were  found 
at  the  Rath  were  brought  to  the  parochial  house.  The 
cross  was  one  of  them,  and  Dr.  O'Connor  gave  it  to  her 
son,  who  died  a  young  man,  and  she  kept  it  ever  since, 
and  that  if  I  wished  I  could  take  it,  which  I  did.  The 
image  of  our  Saviour  is  carved  on  one  side,  and  has  an 
antique  appearance.  On  the  other  side  the  emblems 
of  the  Passion  are  cut  by  a  later  and  ruder  artist,  be- 
neath which  are  the  figures  727,  evidently  intended  for 
1727,  the  date  of  the  year. 

The  fact  of  such  a  cross  being  found  with  the  chalice 
proves  that  the  date  of  concealment  must  have  been 
after  the  year  1727.  Perhaps  it  may  have  taken  place 
about  the  year  1740,  as  the  penal  laws  were  rigorously 
enforced  at  that  time  in  the  county  Limerick.  Tradition 
says  that  Mass  used  to  be  said  in  the  Rath  where  they 
were  found,  in  the  penal  times. 

The  chalice  may  have  been  used  on  these  occasions 
to  distribute  communion  to  the  multitude  that  assembled 
there.  Perhaps  when  the  alarm  was  given,  and  in  the 
hurry  of  the  moment,  these  precious  relics  of  bygone 
times  were  hidden  to  prevent  them  from  falling  into  the 
hands  of  the  enemy.  The  condition  in  which  they  were 
found,  there  being  no  case  or  covering  to  protect  them, 
suggests  that  they  were  buried  in  a  hurry.  The  priest 
or  person  who  placed  them  in  the  earth,  may  never  have 
got  an  opportunity  of  returning  to  the  place  to  point  out 
the  exact  spot  of  their  concealment  ;  and  yet  a  tradition 
lingered  among  the  people  that  there  was  some  treasure 
concealed  near  the  Rath. 

This  beautiful  work  of  art  is  now  in  the  Museum  of 
the  Royal  Irish  Academy  in  Kildare  Street,  having  been 
purchased  by  the  Government  for  £500  from  Dr.  Butler, 
late  Bishop  of  Limerick,  who -acted  as  trustee  for  the 
Sisters  of  Mercy,  the  owners  of  the  property  in  which 


THE    CHURCHES    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  109 

it  was  found.     The  farm  is  now  in  the  possession  of  the 
parisli  priest  of  Ardagh. 

Killmitrillc. 

Tliis  church  is  in  the  count}'  Kerry.  It  now  forms 
part  of  the  parish  of  Ghn.  Dr.  Young  made  the  following 
entry  in  the  Black  Book  of  Limerick  regarding  it :  ^ 

I,  John  Young,  Bishop  of  Limerick,  have  recovered  the 
Church  of  Kilmurly  with  its  appurtenances  which  for  a  long 
time  previously  had  not  been  in  the  possession  of  my  pre- 
decessors but  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Bishop  of  Ardfert. 

I  attach  it  to  the  parish  of  Kilfergus  this  13th  day  of 
August,  1807. 

Killcrgussa, 

Now  Kilfergus,  better  known  as  Glin.  The  old  ruin 
is  a  little  south  of  the  town.  It  is  in  a  very  ruinous 
condition,  but  judging  from  what  remains,  seems  to  be 
of  considerable  antiquity.  2 

Magmor. 

The  name  of  this  church  is  also  written  Moymore.  It 
lay  near  the  village  of  Athea,  and  would  correspond  with 
the  present  townland  of  Benmore,  near  which  the  old 
ruined  church  called  Temple  Athea  is  situated. 

The  townland  is  included  in  the  Manor  of  Shanid  in 


Bealachdroma,  3 

or  Ballaghdromar  as  it  is  sometimes  written  in  documents 
of  this  period.     This  is  the  only  mention  of  the  name  in 

-i-B.B.L.,  p.  152. 

2  See  Inquis,    1298,    S.C.D.I.,  Manor  of  Shanid  ;   see  White's  List. 
Lenihan,  Limerick,  and   other  references  will  be  made  to  it  later  on, 

3  See  S.C.D.I. 


no  THE    DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

connection  with  a  church.  It  is  set  down  in  the  inquisi- 
tion of  1298  as  belonging  to  the  manor  of  Shanid,  and 
inhabited  solely  by  Irish,  which  would  indicate  that  it 
was  a  large  tract  lying  between  Ballyhahill  and  Athea, 
and  may  be  the  place  now  called  Dromagarrum,  where 
unbaptized  children  are  buried.  The  site  of  another  old 
church  is  pointed  out  in  the  townland  of  Flean  where, 
tradition  alleges,  three  bishops  are  buried. 

Leamchael,'^ 

(Leamh  choill  elm  wood)  now  Loughill.  This  is  the 
remains  of  a  primitive  Irish  church,  divided  into  nave 
and  choir,  and  was  built  of  large  long  stones  with  lime 
and  sand  mortar.  About  100  yards  to  the  north  of  the 
church  is  a  well  dedicated  to  St.  Colmog.  The  parish  of 
Loughill  was  one  of  the  bishop's  manors. 

Ardiyiwir 

(western  height),  now  Ardineer,  a  townland  in  the  parish 
of  Robertstown  near  Foynes.  There  in  no  trace  of  a 
church  in  the  present  townland,  but  Robertstown  is 
quite  near  and  may  have  been  originally  in  Ardineer. 

Disert  Murdcivar,^ 

now  called  Dysert,  in  the  parish  of  Robertstown.  Each 
part  of  this  compound  word  is  still  preserved  as  if  they 
had  no  relation  to  each  other.  The  first  part  m  the 
t  inland  of  Dysert,  and  the  second  in  that  of  Morgans,  the 
name  of  the  adjoining  parish  which  originally  included 
Dysert,  as  the  parish  is  cahed  in  old  documents  Dvsert- 


2  See  Memorials  uf  Adare,  p.  277. 
1  See  O.S.L. 


THE    CHURCHES    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  Ill 

merogan,  Murirogan,  and  Morgans,  as  it  is  now  called. 
It  takes  its  name  from  St.  Muirdebhair  the  wise,  whose 
feast  falls  on  the  3rd  of  November,  according  to  the  old 
calendars.  The  Felire  of  Aengus  calls  him  a  "  synod's 
diadem."  The  Martyrology  of  Donegal  at  the  same  date 
has  the  following  notice  of  him  :  "  Muirdeabhair  the  wise 
of  Disert  Muirdebra  in  Ui  Conaill  Gabhra."  O'Donovan 
thought  this  was  the  same  as  Dysert  near  Adare,  but  in 
this  list  of  churches  they  are  clearly  distinguished.  There 
is  a  famous  holy  well  near  the  townland  of  Dysert  at  the 
head  of  a  narrow  creek  that  runs  inland  from  the  Shannon 
c^alled  Borrigone,  which  is  much  frequented  by  the  people 
of  the  surrounding  country.  This  is  the  holy  well  of  the 
saint,  but  in  course  of  time  the  "  M  "  was  changed  into 
"  B,"  which  is  of  frequent  occurrence  in  place  names  of 
this  part  of  the  country.  There  is  no  trace  now  of  the 
old  church,  which  must  have  been  near  the  well. 


Seiigola,^ 

Seangualaiun  (the  old  shoulder  or  hill)  now  Shanagolden. 
The  old  church  is  to  the  west  of  the  present  village,  and 
was  divided  into  nave  and  choir.  The  choir  is  now  in 
ruins,  but  the  nave  was  fitted  up  and  embelhshed  with  a 
tower  for  Protestant  worship.  The  parish  was  dedicated 
to  St.  Senan,  and  his  well  is  near  the  village. 

Tomdaili,  2 

(Tomdaile,  The  Bush  of  the  river  Deel),  now  Toomdeely, 
a  parish  north-west  of  Askeaton  and  bordering  on  the 
Shannon.  The  ruins  of  the  old  church  do  not  seem  to 
be  older  than  the  fifteenth  century.  This  parish  was 
one  of  the  bishop's  manors. 

10.5.1.,   R.I.A.  ^O.S.L. 


THE    DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 


Jnriasse, 

now  Iverus.     The  old  church  is  at  Beagh,  near  the  castle 
of  that  name. 

Half  of  Inyscathidch, 

now  Scattery  Island.     See  life  of  St.   Senan.     Further 
reference  will  be  made  to  this  island  later 


on. 


Kellscanill,  i 

now  Killscannell.  There  is  no  part  of  the  old  church 
now  in  existence.  The  Protestant  church  is  built  on 
the  site  of  the  old  one.  O' Donovan  thinks  that  the 
patron  saint  was  Scandalius,  now  unknown.  In  the 
townland  of  Coolnoran  in  this  parish  there  was  a  church 
called  Kilmurry,  the  stones  of  which  were  taken  to 
Limerick  to  build  a  house  about  the  year  1830. 


Cluonech  (Clonagh).^ 

(Cluianeach,  i.e.,  insular  meadow  of  horses).  The  church 
is  built  on  an  elevated  position,  and  in  former  times  the 
land  around  it  used  to  be  flooded,  which  accounts  for  the 
first  part  of  the  name.  It  consists  of  a  nave  and  choir, 
the  walls  of  the  former  indicate  great  age,  but  the  choir 
arch  is  modern  and  may  have  been  added  on  after  the 
coming  of  the  Normans.  Near  this  church  is  a  holy  well 
dedicated  to  St.  Ciaran  of  Clonmacnoise,  whose  feast  is 
still  kept  on  the  9th  of  September  in  the  modern  parish 
of  Coolcappa. 

1O.5.L.  zo.SL. 


THE    CHURCHES    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  II3 

Rathnascir 

(Rath  na  saer,  the  rath  of  the  Carpenters),  now  Rath- 
naseer.  The  ruins  of  this  church  are  to  be  seen  a  few 
miles  south-east  of  Rathkeale  on  the  road  to  BaUingarry 

Kihnaclugna. 

This  church  is  now  known  as  Cappa — a  plot  for 
tillage.  The  old  church  is  situated  in  that  townland, 
and  is  a  very  pretty  Norman  building. 

Clonsiehra.'^ 

In  medieval  documents  it  is  written  Clonchener,  now 
Clonshire.  It  lies  between  Adare  and  Croagh.  The 
doorway  of  the  old  church  is  of  the  cyclopean  style  of 
architecture.     It  was  a  bishop's  manor. 

Drochetarsna. 

(Droichet-tarsna,  cross  bridge),  now  Drehidtarsna.  It 
gives  its  name  to  a  parish  adjoining  Clonshire. 

Kellnafidnaigi    {Kilfinny).- 

It  is  locally  called  Cill  Finche,  i.e..  Church  of  Finneach. 
The  old  church  was  in  the  townland  of  Ballynakill. 
St.  Ciaran's  well  is  about  40  yards  west  of  the  church. 

'      (  Disertengusa.^ 

(the  Desert  of  Angus).  This  church  is  in  the  townland 
of  Corrigeen,  about  one  and  a  half  miles  west  of  Croom, 
in  the  direction  of  Adare.     The  remains  of  the  church 

1  o.s.L. 

2  Ibid. 

3  Memorials  of  Adave,  pp.  210,  2  u,  214. 


114 


THE    DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 


measure  about  51  feet  in  length  and  16  feet  6  inches  in 
breadth.  The  building  is  of  the  old  primitive  Irish  style 
of  architecture,  but  parts  of  it  have  been  rebuilt.     The 


DYSERT  AENGUS,  CHURCH  AND  ROUND  TOWER, 


doorway  is  in  the  south  side  of  this  building,  a  most 
unusual  circumstance,  as  it  is  nearly  always  to  be  found 
in  the  western  gable  of  churches  of  this  period.  Judging 
from  what  remains  of  the  jambs,  it  was  narrower  at  the 
top  than  at  the  bottom. 


THE    CHURCHES   OF   THE    DIOCESE.  II5 

About  60  feet  north  of  the  church  stands  a  round 
tower  in  a  very  good  state  of  preservation,  though  it 
wants  at  least  one  story,  as  the  four  windows  facing  the 
four  cardinal  points  that  are  to  be  seen  in  other  towers 
are  missing.     It  is  built  on  a  sohd  rock,  which  gives  the 
tower  great  solidity.     It  is  built  of  limestone  well  and 
strongly  put  together,  the  masonry  being  much  superior 
to  that  of  the  church.     At  present  the  tower  is  67  feet 
high  and  54  feet  in  circumference  at  the  base  and  gradu- 
ally diminishing  towards  the  top.     The  doorway  faces 
the  east  and  is  15  feet  from  the  ground  ;  at  this  height 
the  wall  is  4  feet  3  inches  thick,  and  at  the  top  of  tower 
3  feet  6  inches.     The  doorway  itself  is  5  feet  10  inches 
in  height,  2  feet  9  inches  wide  at  bottom,  and  2  feet  5 
inches  at  the  springing  of  the  arch.     This  is  one  of  the 
few  doorways  in  the  round  towers  of  Ireland  that  have 
pellet  or  ball  moulding.     The  tower  at  present  contains 
four  stories,  which  have  been  floored  with  timber  by  Mr. 
Christy,  the  late  owner  of  the  farm  where  it  is  situated. 
He  also  placed  ladders  from  one  floor  to  another,  so  that 
it  is  now  easy  to  go  to  the  top,  which  is  covered  with  ivy. 
The  same  gentleman  made  excavations  in  the  interior 
of  the  tower,  and  went  to  the  solid  rock  on  which  it  is 
built.     During  the  process  he  found  human  bones,  but  no 
coffins,  and  at  the  very  foundation  a  quantity  of  cherry 
stones.      Mr.    Brash,    in     the     Kilkenny     Archceological 
Journal  expresses  a  great  admiration  for  the  skill  dis- 
played in  the  erection  of  this  tower.     The  church  and 
tower  are  said  to  be  erected  by  Aengus  the  Culdee.     This 
holy  man  was  a  native   of  Ulster.     He  travelled  into 
Munster  where  he  settled   down   and  built  this  church 
and  tower.     There  is  nothing  known  of  this  remarkable 
man  from  the  general  historical  records  of  the  country. 
Whatever  information  has  come  down  to  us  concerning 
him  is  gathered  from  a  short  preface  attached  to  some 
copies  of  his  Fclire  or  Calendar  of  the  Saints  of  Ireland, 


Il6  THE    DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

which  is  now  pubhshed  by  Dr.  Stokes.  Aengus  spent  the 
greater  part  of  his  hfe  in  the  monastery  of  Ckiaineidhnech, 
now  Clonenagh,  Queen's  County.  He  was  very  fond  of 
retirement,  and  withdrew  from  this  monastery  to  a 
lonely  place  called  Disert,  and  is  now  known  as  Disert 
Aenos,  near  Maryborough.  In  a  copy  of  the  Calendar 
of  the  Saints  of  Ireland,  which  Dr.  Petrie  had  in  his 
possession,  it  is  stated  that  the  thought  of  writing  the 
Calendar  occurred  to  Aengus  as  he  was  coming  from 
Dysert  in  Munster.  Dr.  Petrie  says  if  the  name  of 
Aengus  was  at  any  time  attached  to  this  Dysert  it  would 
be  sufficient  to  settle  the  question.  Such  has  been  the 
case,  as  this  hst  of  churches  testifies. 

There  is  no  holy  well  in  connection  with  the  place, 
but  a  part  of  the  old  wall  that  surrounded  the  buildings 
is  still  in  existence. 

Kellhinathan,^ 

Now  Killanahan.  The  ruins  of  this  church  are  still  pre- 
served in  the  townland  of  the  same  name  in  the  parish 
of  Killeenoghty  in  the  barony  of  Pubblebrien.  The  old 
church  may  be  seen  in  the  fields  to  the  west  of  the  road 
leadmg  from  Crecora  to  Croom,  near  Bettivelle.  It  is 
generally  called  Tempul  na  Sceach  or  the  Church  of  the 
Bushes. 

Tullachhraci  2 

(Gentle  hill).  TuUabracy  is  the  name  of  a  parish  near 
Bruff.  South  of  the  ruins  of  this  church  there  is  a  well 
dedicated  to  St.  Mullana. 

Kellcharli, » 

Kylkyrely,  now  Kilcurly,  a  townland  west  of  Adare  in 
the  barony  of  Kenry.  The  foundations  of  this  httle 
church  are  scarcely  visible. 

1  0.5./,,  2  0.5./..  3  os.L. 


THE    CHURCHES    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  I  17 


Kelldima, 

Now  Kildimo,  the  church  of  Dima,  a  saint  who  is  com- 
memorated in  the  Martyrology  of  Donegal  on  the  12th  of 
May.  Dima,  son  of  Cas  ;  he  is  the  patron  of  Kildimo 
in  Kenry,  of  the  county  and  diocese  of  Limerick,  and  has 
a  holiday,  a  festival  and  a  station.  He  was  also  the 
master  of  Declan,  and  he  was  in  the  Deisi  of  Munster. 
The  site  of  the  old  church  is  now  occupied  by  a 
Protestant  church.  1 


Kcllallathna  {Kellallatan). 

Kellallatan  is  identical  with  that  old  church  which 
is  situated  in  a  little  hill  in  the  townland  of  Glenameade, 
about  a  few  miles  from  Palliskenry  near  the  Limerick 
road.  When  O'Donovan'-  visited  the  locality  it  was 
called  Killulta  in  Irish,  which  seems  to  be  a  corruption 
of  the  still  older  form  Kellallatan,  or  the  church  of 
St,  Ultan.  There  are  many  saints  of  this  name  in  the 
Irish  calendars.  The  same  writer  remarks  that  it  was 
much  the  oldest  church  he  had  seen  in  the  country. 
The  walls  were  perfect  in  the  middle  of  the  last  century, 
when  the  west  gable  and  doorway  were  blown  down  by 
a  gale  of  wind.  The  church  measures  internally  16  feet 
8  inches  by  10  feet.  The  east  window  externally  is 
triangular-headed,  and  measures  i  foot  6  inches  in  height, 
the  jambs  are  9  inches  wide  at  the  bottom  and  8  inches 
at  top.  The.  original  height  of  side  walls  was  7  feet. 
They  are  built  of  very  large  stones  well  cemented 
together  with  mortar.  It  is  a  real  old  primitive  Irish 
church  and  in  a  fair  state  of  preservation. 

'O.S.L.  2  0.S.L. 


THE    DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 


KILULTA    CHURCH. 


Killchurnan,^ 


Now  Kilcornan,  in  the  barony  of  Kenry.  The  church 
derives  its  name  from  Curnan,  a  saint  who  is  commemo- 
rated in  the  calendars  at  the  6th  of  January. 

The  Martyrology  of  Donegal  has  the  following  notice 
of  him  : — Curnanbeg  of  Kill  Churnain  in  Caenrighe,  in 
the  County  and  diocese  of  Limerick,  patron  of  the  parish 
of  Killcurnan  in  Kenry,  in  the  county  and  diocese  of 
Limerick,  with  a  fair  and  holiday.  The  old  church 
dedicated  to  the  saint  was  situated  in  the  glebe  of  Moig 
East,  but  was  pulled  down  in  the  year  183 1,  when  the 
present  one  was  erected  on  its  site.  There  is  an  old 
church  at  Cowpark,  but  of  no  great  antiquity. 


1  o.s.L. 


THE    CHURCHES    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  II9 


Ardcatni,^ 

Now  Ardcanny,  the  name  of  a  parish  in  the  barony  of 
Kenry,  and  bordering  on  the  Shannon.  In  the  townland 
of  Mellon  there  is  an  old  church  called  Tempul  a  Mhullain, 
but  a  rather  modern  ruin,  near  which  is  a  holy  well 
dedicated  to  St.  Brigid. 

Kelldackaelum, 

Now  locally  forgotten,  but  the  Down  survey  has  a  town- 
land  called  KillacoUum,  containing  about  86  acres  in  the 
south-east  of  the  parish  of  Kildimo,  and  bordering  on 
the  Maigue.  The  old  ruined  castle  standing  on  a  hill  to 
the  south-west  of  the  Ferry  bridge  is  called  Collum 
Castle,  which  is  a  part  of  the  original  name,  and  near  it 
must  have  been  the  old  church. 

Kelimacgoban, 

Now  Kilgobbin,  a  townland  in  the  north  of  the  parish  of 
Adare.  The  north,  south,  and  west  walls  of  this  old 
church  are  still  remaining.  Its  external  length  was 
27  feet  and  its  breadth  9  feet.  The  stones  that  have 
formed  the  west  doorway  have  been  removed.  This 
church  is  often  mentioned  in  the  Black  Book,  as  we 
shall  see  later  on. 

Kellnachallichi  ^^ 

— Keilnacailly.  This  church  formerly  stood  near  Clarina 
Bridge,  but  now  no  traces  of  it  remain.  It  was  dedi- 
cated to  St.  Ethne. 


1  For  these  churches,  see  Memorials  of  Adare,  pp.  268-72. 
^  Lenihan,  p.  559. 


120  THE    DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 


Atnit,^ 


Now  Anhid,  the  name  of  a  parish  on  the  west  bank  of 
the  Maigue,  and  is  completely  surrounded  by  the  parish 
of  Croom.     It  was  formerly  a  prebend. 

Mttngret.- 

When  the  Monastic  establishment  founded  by  St. 
Nessan  was  broken  up,  the  property  belonging  to  it 
passed  into  the  hands  of  the  bishop.  The  modern  ruin 
with  tower  is  the  remains  of  the  parochial  church. 

Imheolchuir.^ 

It  is  mentioned  in  the  Black  Book  that  the  church 
of  Crecourvertha  (Crecora)  was  in  Ocholchur.  This 
word  seems  to  be  the  same  as  the  latter  part  of  Imhcol- 
chuir,  and  would  signify  the  same  place.  The  church 
now  called  Crecora  may  have  been  known  at  this  early 
period  by  the  name  of  the  locality  where  it  was  situated. 

The  following  are  set  down  as  being  in  the  territory 
of  Eschluona,  and  an  inventory  of  their  value  was  taken 
before  this  enquiry.  They  are  Balidorcum  ?  Ballihi- 
bebon  ?  Rachen  (Rahina  near  Kilkeedoy)  Raecuam  ? 
Ballyhichum  ?  I  have  not  been  able  to  locate  these 
names. 

Domnachmor,'^ 

Now  Donaghmore.  The  old  church  is  about  two  miles 
east  of  the  city.  According  to  the  Tripartite  life  of 
our  National  Apostle,  all  the  churches  that  are  called 

1  Memorials  of  A  dare. 

2  See  later  on. 

3  See  B.B.L.,  pp.  96-7. 

*  See  description  ol  this  church  by  Rev.  Michael  Malone,  late 
P.P.  of  Glin,  in  the  Journal,  R.S.A.I.,  p.  77  for  year  1872. 


THE    CHURCHES    OF   THE    DIOCESE. 


121 


Domnach,  or  the  Anglicised  form  Donagh,  were  origi- 
nally founded  by  St.  Patrick,  and  were  so  called  because 
he  marked  out  their  foundations  on  a  Sunday.  This 
church  measures  externally  39^  feet  by  26  feet.     The 


THE    DOORWAY    OF    DONAGHMORE    CHURCH. 

side  walls  are  about  11  feet  high.  The  doorway  is  in 
the  western  gable,  and  is  6  feet  4  inches  in  height,  its 
width  at  base  3  feet  i  inch,  and  at  top  2  feet  10  inches. 
There  is  also  a  window  in  this  gable  higher  than  the 
doorway,  but  to  the  right  of  it,  which  is  considered  a  very 
unusual  circumstance.  It  is  very  narrow  from  the  out- 
side, but  splays  inwardly.  There  is  another  similar  to 
the  one  in  ]\Iungret  church  in  the  south  wall  near  the 
eastern  gable.  The  gables  are  thickly  covered  with 
ivy,  and  the  church  itself  is  in  good  preservation, 
retaining  all  the  characteristics  of  the  primitive  Irish 
church. 


Sengle, 

Now    Singland.     It    was     here    St.   Patrick    cured    the 
Thomond    Prince    from    his   bodily    ailment    as    already 


122  THE    DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK 

related.  It  was  a  very  important  church  and  had  the 
right  of  sanctuary.  In  old  maps  it  is  represented  as 
having  a  round  tower  beside  it ;  both  have  long  since 
disappeared,  but  the  site  is  still  used  as  a  graveyard,  and 
popularly  known  as  St.  Patrick's. 

Inchoman  ? 
Somewhere  near  Singland,  but  now  unknown. 

Kellchuan, 

Now  Kilquan.  The  ruins  of  this  church  are  at  the  Clare 
side  of  the  Shannon  opposite  Corbally.  There  is  a  frag- 
ment of  the  old  building  still  standing,  densely  covered 
with  ivy. 

Kelliedmi. 

Kellideme,  also  written  Kilhadele,  now  Killeely. 
This  church  was  situated  in  the  outskirts  of  Thomond 
Gate,  and  is  still  used  as  a  burial-ground.  No  part  of 
the  old  church  is  now  remaining.  Its  name,  said  to  be 
derived  from  Cill  Fiadiale,i  or  the  church  of  St.  Fiadail. 
According  to  local  tradition  it  was  so-called  from  Lelia 
a  sister  of  St.  Munchin,  whose  feast  was  celebrated  on 
the  nth  of  x\ugust.  It  is  difficult  to  reconcile  this 
tradition  with  the  old  form  of  the  word. 

Kellros, 

Now  Killrush.  Some  of  the  ruins  of  this  Church  are  still 
standing  in  the  North  Circular  Road  near  Barrington's 
Pier,  and  known  as  Old  Church. 

1  See  Reeves'   Notes  on  Black  Booh  MS.  in  T.C.D. 


THE    CHURCHES    OF    THE    DIOCESE.  123 


St.   Maenchini, 

St.  Munchin's  Church,  with  its  appurtenances,  viz.,  Kie, 
Karragiedachan,  Kelldaire.  This  old  church  was  near  the 
King's  Castle,  and  its  site  is  now  occupied  by  the  Pro- 
testant church  of  that  name.  Kie  may  have  been  Kiel, 
to  which  in  after  times  Cratloe  was  added,  making  Cratloe 
Kiel,  where  the  ruins  of  a  church  are  still  to  be  seen. 

Kerragiedachan  {Caherdavin  ?) 

There  is  the  site  of   an  old  church  in  Coonagh  near 
this  townland. 

Kildaire  ?    Unknown. 

St.  Brigid  ?     Unknown. 

St.   John's. 

The  present  Protestant  church  occupies  the  site  of 
this  old  church. 

5^;.  Peter's. 

This  old  church  formerly  stood  near  St.  Mary's  con- 
vent, but  there  is  no  trace  of  its  ruins  now. 

St.  Martin's.    Unknown. 

St.   MichaeVs. 

St.  Michael's  church  was  situated  outside  the  west 
Watergate,  but  was  totally  destroyed  in  the  time  of 
Cromwell.  The  place  where  it  stood  is  still  pointed  out. 
The  festival  is  still  celebrated  on  the  29th  of  September 
in  the  new  church  dedicated  to  that  Angel. 


124  "^"^    DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 


St.  Maria  Rotunda. 

Is  thought  by  competent  authorities  to  be  St.  Mary 
Magdalene.  Kilmurry,  near  the  city,  is  dedicated  to 
the  saint  ;  whether  they  are  the  same  I  cannot  say. 

Claronaedugan  ?     Unknown. 

Munimdartha.'^ 

This  is  written  in  another  part  of  the  Black  Book 
as  Rivvidearta,  which  I  take  to  be  Rathurd. 

Cliioniduhlach, 

In  two  parts,  one  half  in  Muhrichroidir,  viz.,  one 
part  in  Inergni,  and  the  other  Imalduni  Balihicihaham. 
Imail  was  the  ancient  name  of  the  district  now  included 
in  the  parish  of  Knocknagaul,  and  these  places  were  in 
the  vicinity  : — Formail  east,  perhaps  Fearanna  Guilleagh, 
now  Rosbrien, 

Jfagdublacna  .^ 

Balli  Marcada  ? 

Ballichorchiam.^ 

From  the  Black  Book  we  learn  that  this  is  another 
name  for  Kilpeacon. 

Cahirdubdultg.     Perhaps  Cahervally. 

Kcllonchon, 

Now  Kellonachan,  the  name  of  a  parish  near  Patrick's 
Well,  and  means  the  Church  of  St.  Onchu,  whose  feast 
is  on  the  8th  of  February. 

1  Compare  page  115  with  109,  B.B.L. 

2  See  B.B.L. ,  pp.  109-115. 


THE    CHURCHES    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  12y 

Balli  Mulcatha. 

In  another  part  of  the  Black  Book  it  is  written 
Ballecath  ;  now  Ballycahane.  The  site  of  the  old 
church  is  now  occupied  by  a  Protestant  Church. 

In  the  city  of  Limerick  half  the  fishery  of  Coadogur 
(Curraghgour),  the  mill  on  the  river  beside  the  city 
walls.  Tithes  of  all  the  fish  caught  by  the  fishermen 
of  Limerick,  tithes  of  corn  from  the  citizens  of  Cotheum 
(parish  of  St.  Lawrence),  one  gallon  of  ale  from  every 
brewing,  half  a  gallon  from  every  making  of  Medo,  i.e., 
a  drink  made  from  honey  and  water. 

In  this  list  of  churches  we  find  all  the  ecclesiastical 
property  of  the  old  territory  of  Hy  Fidhgente  under  the 
control  of  the  Bishop  of  Limerick,  the  name  by  which 
it  is  to  be  known  in  future, — even  the  old  monas- 
teries that  flourished  from  the  introduction  of  Chris- 
tianity. When  the  monasteries  became  desolate  all 
their  property  passed  into  the  hands  of  the  bishop,  who 
was  the  generally  recognized  centre  of  authority  since 
the  Synod  of  Rathbreasail,  and  who  provided  for  the 
spiritual  wants  of  the  whole  diocese.  Nearly  every 
tuath,  it  may  be  remarked,  was  provided  with  one  or 
more  churches,  the  priests  of  which  administered  to  the 
faithful  within  well  defined  limits,  a  system  which  seems 
to  have  been  in  force  long  before  the  Norman  invasion, 
and  would  correspond  to  the  parochial  system  of  the 
present  day.  Most  of  the  parishes  in  the  diocese  are 
called  after  the  townlands  on  which  these  old  churches 
were  built,  or  after  the  churches  themselves,  which  gave 
a  name  to  the  townland  and  thence  to  the  parish.  The 
old  Celtic  system  seems  to  have  been  adopted  by  the 
Normans,  but  in  the  course  of  time  underwent  some 
modifications. 

It  may  be  presumed  that  there  were  other  churches 
in  the  diocese  at  the  time  this  inquisition  was  held,  but 


126  THE    DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

having  no  endowments  attached  to  them,  they  were  left 
unnoticed  by  the  jury.  They  must  have  been  built  in 
convenient  places  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants,  although 
many  of  them  are  now  remote  from  the  centres  of  popu- 
lation. Some  of  them  have  entirely  disappeared  and 
their  names  are  forgotten,  others  were  deserted  for 
more  commodious  buildings,  but  still  survive  as  interest- 
ing specimens  of  early  Irish  architecture. 

The  characteristic  features  of  the  early  Celtic  ^ 
Church  are  to  be  found  in  the  doorway,  windows, 
masonry,   and  roof. 

The  doorway  was  nearly  always  in  the  western 
gable,  the  jambs  inclining  from  bottom  to  top,  which 
was  covered  by    a  horizontal  lintel  of  massive  size. 

The  windows  were  small,  and  generally  splayed 
inwards,  headed  by  two  small  semicircular  arches  formed 
of  several  small  stones,  or  cut  out  of  a  single  large  one. 
However,  the  horizontal  lentel  and  the  triangular-shaped 
head  were  also  common. 

The  church  was,  as  a  rule,  built  of  very  large  stones, 
well  cemented  together,  generally  of  an  oblong  shape, 
and  did  not  exceed  sixty  feet  in  length. 

The  roof  was  of  exceedingly  high  pitch.  Good 
examples  of  the  early  stone  churches  in  the  diocese 
may  be  seen  at  Donaghmore,  Mungret,  Killultan,  &c. 
In  some  of  the  larger  of  the  older  churches  a  choir 
was  added  in  Norman  times,  at  least  so  much  may  be 
inferred  from  the  difference  in  age  that  exist  between 
both  parts  as  is  visible  in  the  old  ruin  of  Clonagh.  In 
many  instances  the  old  oblong  Celtic  church  was  not 
changed,  but  Norman  windows  and  doors  were  inserted 
without  interfering  with  the  general  outline  of  the  build- 
ing, such  as  Killogholihane. 

Inniscathy,    Dysert     Angus,    Kilmallock,    and    Ard- 

1  See  Petrie's  Round  Towers. 


THE    CHURCHES    OF  THE    DIOCESE.  127 

patrick     churches     have     round    towers     attached     to 
them. 

According  to  Petrie,  whose  conclusions  are  generally 
accepted  with  slight  modifications  by  the  learned,  these 
towers  were  of  Christian  and  ecclesiastical  origin,  and 
were  erected  from  the  fifth  to  the  thirteenth  centuries 
They  served  the  two-fold  purpose  of  belfries,  and  as 
places  of  security  for  preserving  the  sacred  utensils  of 
the  Church  ;  and  also  as  places  of  refuge  for  the  ecclesi- 
astics in  cases  of  sudden  attack.  They  were  probably 
used  when  occasion  required  as  beacons  and  watch 
towers. 


Ubirtecutb  Centur^^ 

CHAPTER  VIII. 1 

THE    ORGAXIZATION   OF   THE    DIOCESE. 

The  last  decree  of  the  Synod  of  Cashel  lays  down,  "  that 
the  Divine  office  shall  be  henceforth  celebrated  in  every 
part  of  Ireland  according  to  the  forms  and  usages  of 
the  Church  of  England." 

Donat  2  immediately  set  about  putting  this  law  into 
force  in  his  diocese.  He  called  together  his  clergy  to 
deliberate  how  to  enlarge  and  decorate  the  Cathedral, 
to  appoint  secular  canons,  according  to  the  English 
custom,  and  to  set  apart  benefices  for  their  maintenance. 
One  of  the  principal  reasons  that  influenced  him  to 
establish  a  chapter,  was  to  have  the  Mass  of  the 
Blessed  Virgin  Mary  daily  celebrated  in  the  cathedral 
church.  The  chapter  consisted  of  a  dean,  archdeacon, ' 
cantor,  treasurer,  and  six  canons. 

He  assigned  for  their  support  the  Church  of  St. 
Mary's,  Limerick,  the  sanctuary  of  the  same  church, 
together  with  all  the  fruits  derived  from  wills,  oblations, 
&c.,  reserving,  however,  half  the  oblations  received  when 
the  bishop  himself  personally  sung  Mass  in  the  church, 
and  half  the  oblations  on  the  procession  at  Pentecost, 
He  also  gave  them  half  the  tithes  of  all  kinds  of  fishes, 
all  the  tithes  of  Cotheim  (St.  Lawrence)  outside  the  city, 
the  churches  of  St.  Mary  Magdalen  (Killmurry),  St. 
Martin,   Dovenathmore   (Donaghmore),   and   Killiadeli. 

He  furthermore  gave  to  P.,  the  Dean,  the  church  of 
St.  Nicholas,  with  its  appurtenances  in  Prebend. 

1  See  Giraldus,  chap,  xxxiv.,  p.   233  and  following. 
'^B.B.L.,  p.  109,  pp.  108-109. 


THE    ORGANIZATION    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  I29 

To  M.,  the  Archdeacon,  the  church  of  St.  John's, 
near  the  city  wall,  with  its  appurtenances,  together  with 
the  churches  of  Kildecolum,  Kildimo,  with  land  and 
other  appurtenances,  and  all  the  spiritual  benefices  of 
Ardagh,  with  their  appurtenances. 

To  M.  O'Melinus,  Chantor,  the  churches  of  Sengola 
(Shanagolden),  Ardinir,  and  Rathnaser  in  prebend. 

To  Wilham  de  Cardiff,  Treasurer,  the  church  of 
S'engol  (Singland),  with  the  lands  of  Rathgarellein,  with 
its  appurtenances  and  spiritual  benefices.  It  was  written 
Rathgreylon  in  later  times,  and  was  near  the  present 
Rathurd,  but  the  name  is  now  forgotten.  Drommoluba, 
with  its  appurtenances,  as  well  of  fishes,  as  of  all  other 
benefices  in  prebend.  It  is  also  written  Dromin,  and 
may  be  identical  with  the  townland  of  that  name  near 
Parteen. 

To  Colomiregan,  Canon,  the  church  of  Mungret, 
with  its  appurtenances  in  prebend. 

To  Ricolus,  Chaplain,  Canon,  the  church  of  St. 
Munchin,  with  its  appurtenances  in  prebend. 

To  Colomiregan,  Canon,  the  church  of  St.  Michael, 
together  with  the  spiritual  benefices  of  Kathirdufduli 
and  Kilonchon  in  prebend. 

To  M.  O.  Conying,  Canon,  all  the  spiritual  benefices 
of  Balimacada  (Ballycahane),  Rwvidearta  (Rathurd), 
Formiliart  (Rossbrien),  Ardchatin  (Ardcanny),  and  BalU- 
chorcram  (Kilpeacon). 

To  O.  O'Mally,  Canon,  portion  of  the  common  fund. 
To  Doneuan    O'Conregan,    Canon,    portion    of    the 
common  fund. 

To  T.  Macreanachanci,  portion  of  the  common  fund. 

To  Paulinus,  Chaplain,  portion  of  the  common  fund. 

He  also  added  that  the  canons    should  enjoy  all    the 

dignities  of  the  Roman  Church  ;  and  if  it  should  happen 

that  any  of  the  canons  died,  the  chapter  had  the  power 

of  retaining  the  revenues  of  his  prebend  for  the  space 

K 


130  THE    DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

of  a  year,  to  pay  his  debts.  Donat  also  gave  them 
the  use  of  his  woods  for  procuring  fuel,  and  timber  for 
building  purposes. 

The  deed  from  which  the  foregoing  is  taken  was 
witnessed  by  the  Archbishop  of  Cashel,  the  Bishops  of 
Cork,  Cloyne,  Ross,  Ardfert,  Kilfenora,  the  Abbots  of 
Manister,  Suirey,  and  Furness,  with  other  dignitaries  of 
lesser  importance. 

Donat  w^as  a  great  favourite  with  King  John,  who 
speaks  of  him  as  being  most  zealous  in  advancing  his 
interests.     He  died  about  the  year  1207  a.d. 

Geoffrey. 

King  John  made  a  grant ^  of  the  See  of  Limerick  to 
Geoffrey  of  Dungarvan,  after  Donat's  death,  and  wrote 
to  Myler-  Fitzhenry  to  use  his  influence  with  the  clergy  of 
the  diocese  to  elect  and  receive  him  as  their  bishop.  This 
is  the  only  record  extant  of  his  appointment.  Harris, 
in  his  edition  of  Ware's  Bishops,  mentions  that  he  was 
Bishop  until  1222  a.d.  but  this  is  a  mistake,  as  Edmund 
was  Bishop  as  early  as  1215  a.d.-^ 

Edmund. 

When  exactly  this  Bishop  was  appointed  is  not 
recorded,  but  he  is  mentioned  in  1215  a.d.  as  receiving 
a  grant  of  an  annuity  of  ten  pounds  of  silver,  receivable 
at  the  Exchequer,  Dublin,  out  of  the  rent  and  assize  of 
the  city  of  Limerick,  for  the  site  of  the  mill  and  the 
fishery  of  Limerick,  which  he  challenged  against  the 
king.  3 

The  bishop  also  quit  claims  to  the  king  the  land  of 

1  See  S.C.D.I.,  year  1207,  No.   364  and  the  Corrigenda. 

2  S.C.D.I.  under  that  year,  and  by  looking  at  this  Bishop's  name 
in  the  Index  of  volume  (i  171-125 1)  all  that  is  here  related  will  be 
found. 

^  B.B.L.,  46,  95,  p.   Ill,   114,   119. 


THE    ORGANIZATION    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  I3I 

Drunnannolub  (Dromin),  given  by  the  king  to  Edmund's 
predecessor,  and  ten  marks  which  the  bishop  was  wont 
to  receive  in  exchange  for  that  land. 

The  above  grant  was  not  punctually  paid,  and  the 
king  had  to  write  to  the  Justiciary  to  hasten  the  pay- 
Ttient  of  the  arrears  to  the  bishop.  There  is  another 
mandate,  dated  the  day  after,  directing  that  Edmund 
should  receive  ten  liberates  of  land  within  or  without 
the  cantred  of  Limerick,  in  lieu  of  the  annuity  of  ten 
pounds  payable  at  the  king's  exchequer.  The  land  was 
granted  in  the  division  called  O'Mayl,  which  was  situated 
near  Mungret,  and  the  name  is  given  as  an  ahas  for 
Ballyclogh,!  so  that  it  lay  in  that  direction.  Edmund; 
Avith  the  consent  of  the  chapter,  granted  this  new  ac- 
quisition with  its  villeins,  to  John  St.  John.  There  is 
also  extant  a  record  of  an  order  being  made  to  the  trea- 
sury to  give  Edmund  a  loan  of  five  marks.  He  died 
towards  the  end  of  a.d.  1222,  as  the  see  was  vacant  in 
March  a.d.  1223. 

B\^  order  of  the  king,  the  temporalities  were  granted 
during  vacancy,  to  the  Prior  of  Athassel,  for  which  he 
was  to  be  accountable  to  the  Exchequer. 

Hubert  de  Burgh  (1223-1250). 

Hubert  2  was  descended  from  a  noble  family,  and  at 
the  time  of  his  elevation  to  the  see  of  Limerick,  was 
Prior  of  the  Monastery  of  St.  Edmund,  king  and  martyr, 
at  Athassel,  Co.  Tipperary. 

At  the  same  time  John  St.  John,  treasurer  of  the 
church  of  Limerick,  was  nominated  by  the  king  for  the 
see  of  Waterford,  but  not  confirmed ;  eventually  he 
became  Bishop  of  Ferns,  and  resigned  his  office  in  the 
chapter  of  Limerick,  and  the  prebend  appertaining  to  it. 

1  This  alias  is  given  in  m   Inquisition  taken  in    1615. 

2  See  S.  C.  under  heading  Hubert,  Bishop  of  Limerick  ;  also  Ware's 
Bishops  of  Limerick. 


132  THE    DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 

The  king  issued  a  mandate  to  the  dean  and  chapter — 
the  office  being  in  his  gift — to  have  it  given  to  Geoffrey 
de  St.  John,  and  to  have  him  inducted,  and  that  a  staU 
in  the  choir  and  a  place  in  the  chapter  should  be  assigned 
to  him. 

Hubert  during  his  administration  was  a  great  bene- 
factor to  the  cathedral.  He  extended  the  privileges  of 
the  canons  and  vicars  of  the  diocese,  in  as  much  as  he 
allowed  them  to  have  their  benefices  appropriated  for  a 
year  after  death  to  pay  their  debts  and  discharge  the- 
provisions  of  their  wills.  He  bestowed  on  the  canons 
and  vicars  serving  in  the  cathedral  all  the  half  tithes 
reserved  by  Donat  at  the  formation  of  the  chapter.  He 
also  augmented  the  common  fund  of  the  cathedral  by 
grants  of  certain  churches,  with  specific  obligations 
attached  to  them. 

Kileihem  ^  (probably  Keililin,  outside  St.  John's 
gate),  with  the  provision  that  they  should  pray  for  the 
repose  of  the  souls  of  his  ancestors  and  that  of  Raymond 
de  Burgh.  He  reserved,  however,  the  rights  of  the  epis- 
copal office. 

By  the  consent  and  advice  of  the  chapter  he  gave  to 
the  canons  and  vicars  serving  at  St.  Mary's,  the  ville 
of  Singland,2  reserving  the  cure  of  souls. 

Influenced  by  the  petition  and  presentation  of 
Richard  of  London,  lord  of  the  soil  or  fee,  he  granted 
to  the  common  fund  of  the  canons  and  vicars  of  St. 
Mary's  all  the  ecclesiastical  benefices  of  Glyncorby^ 
(parish  of  Glin),  also  the  ecclesiastical  benefices  of  the 
whole  land  of  Kilscoly,  Kilgoban,  and  Kilscalbeg,  which 
were  in  the  parish  of  Adare.  One  of  the  witnesses  to 
this  grant  was  Master  Tyrell,  Vicar  of  Adare.  He 
granted  to  Thomas  de  Wodeford,   Dean  of  St.   Mary's- 

1  B.B.L.,  p.  59  ;  Kilethem  in  B.B.L. 

2  Ibid.,  p.  33. 

3  Ibid.,  p.  46. 


THE    ORGANIZATION    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  I33 

Church,  and  his  successors  in  prebend,  the  churches  of 
St.  Nicholas,!  Mungret,  Maycroo  (Croagh),  with  its 
chapel,  Lysnamuck,  and  Ballysward  (Howardstown, 
near  Bruree). 

He  also  conferred  many  benefices  on  his  own  monas- 
tery of  Athassel,  which  were  recovered  after  much 
litigation,  as  will  be  seen  later  on. 

The  following  were  returned  by  that  monastery  to 
Hubert  himself,  viz.  : — the  ecclesiastical  benefices  of  the 
whole  tenement  of  Maynero  2  (Croagh),  of  the  whole 
tenement  of  Creavath  O'Moyl  (Knocknagaul),  and 
Donaghmore. 

1237.  John  de  Bineford,^  Procurator  in  Ireland  for 
the  monastery  of  Keynsham,  Somersetshire,  England, 
freely  resigned  in  behalf  of  that  monastery  all  rights 
and  titles  in  the  following  ecclesiastical  benefices  of  the 
diocese,  viz.  :— Rathkeale,  Rathfergus,  :\Ioyntaneny 
(Nantinan),  Mayryne  (Kiltanna),  Browry  (Bruree),  Cul- 
ballysward  (Howardstown),  Karracnesy  (Carnarrie, 
Cahernarry),  Moynco  (Croagh),  Moymolcally  (perhaps 
Keilnacailly,  near  Clarina  Bridge),  Grosser  (Iveruss), 
together  with  the  benefices  held  by  Robert  Dundonald, 
beside  Rathkeale,  and  benefices  in  the  lands  of  Richard 
de  Cantilup  and  William  Janitoris. 

How  so  many  benefices  were  alienated  from  the 
diocese,  and  bestowed  on  English  and  Anglo-Irish  monas- 
teries may  be  explained  by  the  following  transactions 
recorded  in  the  Black  Book. 

Walter  Cropp,*  who  got  a  grant  of  land  in  1199, 
including  Carnarry,  made  a  grant  of  the  tithes  and 
■ecclesiastical  benefices  contained  in  it,  to  the  monastery 
of  St.  Edmund,  Athassel. 

1  B.B.L.,  p.  77,. 

2  Ibid.,  p.  80,  year  1239. 

3  Ibid.,  p.  75. 

4  Ibid.,   p.    89. 


134  THE    DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

Some  time  before  the  year  1228,  Robert  Waspail  ^ 
granted  to  the  convent  of  Keynsham,  for  the  good  of 
his  own  soul,  that  of  his  wife  Margaret,  his  ancestors 
and  successors,  the  church  of  Rathkeale.  with  all  its 
appurtenances  as  far  as  he  was  able  to  give  them  by 
right  of  advowson  and  being  lord  of  the  soil. 

It  is  likely  many  more  Anglo-Norman  settlers  adopted 
a  similar  plan  when  they  acquired  a  district  and  had  it 
fairly  under  control  ;  then,  as  feudal  lords,  they  were 
entitled  to  certain  rights  over  the  churches  in  their 
territory,  which  they  exercised  in  favour  of  some  monas- 
teries to  which  they  were  bound  by  special  ties,  like 
Roger  Waspail  and  Walter  Cropp. 

The  whole  of  the  diocese  would  seem,  at  this  time  to 
have  passed  completely  under  the  swa^^  of  the  Normans ; 
even  in  all  the  Church  lands  the  names  that  occur  in  the 
various  legal  documents  of  the  period  are  all  English. 

Hubert  seems  to  have  maintained  friendly  relations 
with  Keynsham,  as  he  bestowed  upon  it,  with  the  con- 
sent of  the  chapter,  the  church  of  Askeaton,^  reserving 
one-third  of  the  vicarage  for  the  maintenance  of  a  resi- 
dent vicar.  Having  large  land  possessions  in  the  diocese, 
Hubert  was  of  necessity  mixed  up  with  secular  affairs. 
In  maintaining  the  rights  of  the  Church  he  was  brought 
into  conflict  at  least  with  one  remarkable  nobleman  of 
the  time,  named  Geoffrey  De  Marisco.^  Geoffrey  was. 
nephew  and  heir  of  Montmorris,  one  of  the  first  batch 
of  invaders,  and  owned  extensive  territories  in 
England,  Leinster,  and  Munster. 

1208.  He  led  an  army  of  the  Irish  and  colonists 
against  the  Viceroy,  for  which  he  was  pardoned,  and 
his  brother  Richard,  Bishop  of  Durham,  and  Chancellor 

1  B.B.L.,  p.  74,  at  head  of  this  Doc.  Robert  is  given,  but  in  body 
of  it  Roger. 

^  Ihid.,  p.  35. 

3  See  Gilbert's  Viccvoys  of  Ireland  for  a  good  account  of  this- 
nobleman. 


THE    ORGANIZATION    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  I^S 

of    England,    became    a    confidential    adviser    to    King 
John. 

1215.  The  viceroyalty  was  first  committed  to  him  in 
the  absence  of  the  Archbishop,  wiiich  he  held  until 
1221  A.D.  when  he  was  superseded,  as  he  was  unable  to 
furnish  a  satisfactory  account  of  the  revenue  of  the 
country,  and  also  as  he  failed  to  carry  out  other  agree- 
ments entered  into  between  him  and  the  king.  After 
Hubert  became  bishop,  Geoffrey  ^  paid  homage  to  him 
for  the  lands  of  Kilmallock,  Drethenetarse  (Drehidtarsna), 
Kilcurly,  Killonehan,  Kylcoban,  Kilkelbeg,  and  Kil- 
cremail,  with  their  appurtenances,  and  promised  to  pay 
as  yearly  rent  33s.  ^d.  ;  paying  20s.  for  Kilmallock,  and 
13s.  for  the  other  lands  together  with  three  pounds  of 
wax  to  St.  Mary's  Cathedral,  on  the  feast  of  the  Assump- 
tion. 

1226,  Geoffrey  2  also  had  the  manors  of  Adare  and 
Knockainey,  as  he  procured  a  patent  for  holding  a  yearly 
fair  at  his  manor  of  Adare  for  eight  days,  from  July  25th 
to  August  1st,  and  at  Knockainey,  from  8th  to  the  15th 
of  September. 

A  dispute  arose  between  him  and  the  bishop,  the 
exact  nature  of  which  is  not  disclosed,  but  Geoffrey 
inflicted  grevious  injury  on  the  property  of  the  diocese 
and  tenants  of  the  bishop.  For  this  he  and  his  son 
William,  with  their  accompHces,  were  excommunicated 
by  Hubert,  Who  applied  to  Rome  to  have  the  sentence 
confirmed.  About  the  same  time  reports  reached  the 
Holy  See  that  Hubert  obtained  the  diocese  of  Limerick 
by  unjust  means,  that  he  was  a  minus  habens,  and  so 
wanting  in  knowledge  that  he  was  unable  to  discharge 
the  duties  of  his  office .^  Taking  into  account  the  fore- 
going  quarrel   the   report   would   seem   to   be    sent   by 

^B.B.L.,  p.   16-17,   Kilturly  is  the  spelling  given  in  document. 

^  S.C.D.I.,  year  1226. 

3  Theiner   Vetera  Monumenta,  pp.   27-46. 


136  THE   DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

Geoffrey,  or  some  one  under  his  influence,  as  a  set-off 
against  the  complaints  of  the  bishop. 

Grififin,''  Bishop  of  Lismore,  was  appointed  by  the 
Pope  to  enquire  into  the  damage  inflicted  on  the  church 
of  Limerick  by  Geoffrey  and  his  accomphces,  with  in- 
structions to  confirm  the  excommunication  if  the  damages 
inflicted  on  the  church  were  not  repaired. 

The  enquiry  having  been  made,  it  was  found  by 
Griffin,  on  the  authority  of  rehable  witnesses,  that 
Geoffrey  in  the  first  place  injured  as  much  as  3,300  head 
of  cattle  ;  in  the  second  place,  Geoffrey,  in  the  name  of 
the  church  of  Limerick  had  received  100  marks  by  quit 
claiming  the  ville  of  Kilmallock  ;  the  annual  income  of 
said  ville  was  32  lbs.  of  silver  and  half  a  mark,  and  that 
for  twenty  years  and  more  he  detained  said  ville.  He 
injured  the  tenants  of  Mungret,  Donaghmore  and  other 
lands  to  the  value  of  100  lbs.  of  silver.  The  imprison- 
ment and  other  injuries  which  he  inflicted  on  clergy  and 
laity,  and  for  which  he  contemptuously  refused  to  com- 
pensate, was  estimated  at  800  marks.  He,  moreover, 
violated  the  sanctuary  of  the  church  of  vSingland,  by 
ejecting  with  force  those  that  had  taken  refuge  in  it. 
The  damage  from  this  act  was  valued  at  100  lbs.  of  silver. 

Griffin  having  found  according  to  his  instructions, 
that  the  sentence  of  excommunication  formulated  by 
Hubert  was  just,  confirmed  it.  He  also  wrote  to  the 
king,  beseeching  him  to  avoid  Geoffrey,  as  excommuni- 
cated. At  the  same  time  Hubert  ^  wrote  to  the  king 
praying  that  he  would  mercifully  regard  the  oppressions 
and  injuries  brought  upon  the  Church  of  Limerick  by 
Geoffrey  and  his  accomplices,  for  which  he  had  to 
visit  them  with  the  severest  punishments  of  the 
Church. 


^B.B.L.,  p.   17. 

2  S.C.D.I.,  year  1235. 


THE   ORGANIZATION    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  I37 

The  fate  of  the  father  and  son  was  remarkable- 
Wilham  murdered,  before  the  king's  gate  at  Westminster, 
a  priest,  named  Henry  Clement,  who  was  sent  into 
England  with  certain  complaints  against  him  by  Maurice 
Fitzgerald,  then  Justiciary  of  Ireland.  For  this  crime 
he  was  outlawed,  and,  becoming  desperate,  he  conspired 
against  the  life  of  the  king.  The  assassin  he  employed 
to  carry  out  his  design  was  accidentally  discovered  under 
the  straw  of  the  royal  bed,  by  Margaret  Biset,  one  of  the 
queen's  maids,  while  at  her  devotions  at  midnight. 

William  is  next  heard  of  in  the  island  of  Lundy. 
at  the  entrance  of  the  Bristol  Channel,  where  he  success- 
fully maintained  himself  with  a  piratical  band,  for  a 
time.  But,  like  all  who  follow  such  a  life,  he  was  cap- 
tured, with  sixteen  of  his  associates,  and  ended  his 
•days  miserably  on  the  gibbet. 

Earl,i  Richard  Marechal,  "  a  learned  and  valiant 
knight,  that  virtue  seemed  to  have  vied  with  nature  in 
his  composition,"  quarrelled  with  the  king,  and  came 
to  Ireland  to  claim  his  possessions.  The  Irish  barons 
egged  on  from  England,  entered  into  a  conspiracy  against 
him,  with  the  hope  of  sharing  in  the  confiscations  of  his 
vast  estates.  Geoffrey,  now  an  old  man,  to  better  carry 
out  the  plot,  joined  the  earl  as  one  of  his  supporters 
when  he  landed  in  Ireland.  He  aided  the  earl  in  cap- 
turing Limerick  after  four  days  siege,  and  in  recovering 
many  of  his  castles  that  had  been  seized  by  orders  of 
the  king.  A  sham  conference  was  arranged  at  the 
Curragh  of  Kildare,  between  the  earl  and  the  barons- 
A  truce  was  proposed  at  the  meeting,  but  the  earl  refused, 
acting  on  the  advice  of  Geoffrey.  Both  sides  then  pre- 
pared for  battle,  but  at  a  given  signal,  Geoffrey  deserted 
his  lord,  taking  with  him  most  of  the  earl's  army.  Left 
on  the  field  with  only  a  few  faithful  knights,  hke  a  true 

'  See  Gilbert's   Viceroys  of  Ireland. 


138  THE    DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

son  of  chivalry,  he  prepared  to  fight  to  a  finish.  He 
maintained  his  ground  with  great  success,  until  his  horse 
was  disabled ;  being  then  surrounded  he  was  stabbed  in 
the  back.  He  was  immediately  conveyed  to  a  neigh- 
bouring castle,  where  he  died  of  his  wounds. 

His  death  evoked  a  storm  of  indignation  in  England 
and  Ireland.  When  matters  cooled  down  the  chief 
instigators  were  pardoned,  but  Geoffrey  had  to  fly  the 
country,  and  ended  his  days  as  an  exile  in  Paris.  "  Piti- 
fully," says  the  chronicler,  "  yet  undeserving  of  pity  for 
his  own  treason  against  the  earl  and  his  son  William 
against  his  king."i 

1225.  Hubert  got  permission  from  the  king  to  have 
a  weekly  market  every  Tuesday,  at  his  manor  of  Mungret, 
and  also  received  letters  of  protection  at  this  time  from 
the  king  for  two  years. 

There  is  also  a  record  extant  that  shows  that  he  gave, 
with  consent  of  the  chapter,  to  John  of  Cornwall,''^  all 
the  lands  of  Cloncourtha  (Coleman's  Well),  Gortnetrossi, 
Kilcurnan,  and  Garron  M'Rogeri  to  hold  on  the  same 
terms  as  the  preceding  tenant.  He  received  from  Henry 
de  Mynet  the  lands  of  BaUnmaked,^  B  alindonelan,  and 
other  lands  adjoining  the  manor  of  Drumdel  (Toomdeely). 

Hubert  had  a  long  and  eventful  reign  over  the  diocese 
and  ably  defended  the  rights  of  his  church  in  very  trying 
times.  From  references  made  to  him  while  bishop,  he 
seemed  to  be  appreciated  by  his  successors  in  office.  He 
was  many  times  reported  to  Rome  and  commissions 
appointed  to  investigate  the  charges.  How  far  they  were 
true  we  have  now  no  means  of  judging,  as  there  is  no 
record  surviving.  He  died  in  the  year  1250,  and  was 
interred  in  the  Dominican  Convent. 


heading    and     Minitar    in    body    of 


1  See  S.C.L 

)./.,  year  122 

2  Ibid.,    p. 

28,    Mynet 

document. 

»  Ibid. 

THE    ORGANIZATION    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  I39 

Robert  of  Emly  (1251-1275).^ 
The  chapter  having  obtained  hcence  from  the  king 
to  elect  a  bishop  selected  Robert  Neil,  or  Robert  of  Emly, 
as  he  is  occasionally  styled,  and  the  following  January 
he  was  put  in  possession  of  the  temporalities  of  the  see. 
He  immediately  commenced  canonical  2  proceedings 
against  the  Prior  of  Athassel  for  the  recovery  of  the 
churches  of  Mayncro  (Croagh),  Donaghmore,  the  bene- 
fices of  Crewomayl,  and  the  churches  of  Carnarthy, 
Rathsyward  (Rathurd),  Kilmuchorog  (Kilmurry),  Kil- 
bradran,  and  Kilcoleman,  which  had  passed  out  of  the 
diocese  during  the  preceding  bishop's  reign. 

The  Holy  See  commissioned  the  Bishop  of  Cloyne 
with  others,  to  examine  and  decide  the  matter  in  dispute, 
with  power  to  sub-delegate  his  authority  to  competent 
substitutes  if  not  able  to  act  himself.  The  bishop  ap- 
pointed his  delegates,  vesting  them  with  papal  authority 
to  try  the  case. 

They  cited  both  parties  to  meet  at  the  church  of 
Ballycahane,  where  the  matters  in  dispute  would  be 
investigated.  After  many  sittings  at  the  church  of 
Ballycahane  and  the  great  church  of  Kilmallock,  the 
ecclesiastical  judges  decided  that  the  churches  of  Mayncro, 
Donaghmore,  the  benefices  of  Crewomayl,  the  churches 
of  Carnarthy  and  Rathsyward  should  be  given  up  to  the 
Bishop  of  Limerick,  and  the  monastery  was  allowed  to 
retain  for  its  use  and  benefit  the  churches  of  Kilbrathran, 
Kilmuchorog,  and  Kilcoleman.  Then  Robert  granted 
Thomas  de  Wodeford,  the  dean,  to  augment  his  living, 
the  churches  of  Cornarthy  and  Rathsyward. 

He  was  equally  zealous  in  looking  after  the  lands  of 
the  diocese,  as  there  are  many  documents  in  the  Black 


1  See  S.C.D.I. 

2  B.B.L.,  pp.  80,  81  to  90,  10 1. 


140  THE    DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

Book  relating  to  them,   the  principal  of  which  are   as 
follows,  viz.  : — 

A  final  agreement,  1  at  the  court  of  the  king  at  Water- 
ford,  before  the  judges  itinerant,  between  Ceth  le  Greys 
and  his  wife,  concerning  the  land  of  Clonbalitarsne. 
which  is  evidently  the  same  as  Knockbalytornse,  alias 
Knocknabualy,  now  known  as  Knocknabooly,  a  town- 
land  in  the  parish  of  Loughill. 

A  final  agreement  made  at  the  court  ot  the  king, 
before  the  itinerant  judges,  between  Robert  and  Andrew 
Fitzwalter,  concerning  thirty  acres  of  land  at  Clonagh. 

The  same  between  Robert  and  Margaret,  wife  of 
Tyrrell  K^xdyi,  concerning  two  carucates  of  land  in 
Drumdell  (Toomdeely). 

At  the  same  court,  and  before  the  same  judges,  a 
final  agreement  between  Robert  and  John  le  Person, 
concerning  one  and  a-half  carucates  of  land  in  Kilmurley 
and  Kilfergus. 

1257.  A  fii'ial  agreement  before  the  itinerant  judges 
in  the  king's  court.  Limerick,  between  Robert  and  John 
de  Inteberge,  concerning  twenty  acres  of  land  in  Mungret. 

An  agreement  between  Henry  Mayting  and  Robert, 
concerning  the  presentation  of  Nantenan,  before  the 
itinerant  judges  in  the  king's  court.  Limerick. 

Richard  Fitzwilliam  restored  to  Robert  the  farm  of 
CoUum. 

1263.  Thomas  O'Regan,^  quit  claimed  to  Robert  the 
lands  of  Clonnawyl,  in  the  burgess  of  the  tenement  of 
Clonshire.  This  is  one  of  the  very  few  Irish  names  that 
occur  in  any  of  the  pleas  relating  to  this  period. 

About  this  time  Robert  Palmifer  quit  claimed  to 
Robert  his  possession  in  the  tenement  of  Kilscannell, 


1  B.B.L.,  p.  8.     This  and  following  and  some  others  are  to  be  found 
in  the  B.B.  from  page  4  to  13,  unless  otherwise  mentioned. 

2  B.B.,  p.  43. 


THE   ORGANIZATION   OF  THE    DIOCESE.  141 

which    his   mother    and    Robert    Sexton    received   from 
Geoffrey  De  Marisco. 

There  is  also  an  agreement  extant  between  the  bishop 
and  Reginald  St.  James,  concerning  certain  lands  in 
Caherasse,  together  with  a  fishery  in  the  Maigue.^ 

1267.  The  monastery  of  Molanfide,  or  Darnis  Island, 
in  the  Blackwater,  near  Youghal,  and  in  the  diocese  of 
Lismore,  had  possession  of  Dermoho  (now  Darragh),  and 
granted  to  Robert  and  his  successors  free  power  of  con- 
ferring half  of  all  the  fruits  and  oblations  of  this  church 
on  the  vicar,  reserving,  however,  the  other  half  for  the 
use  and  benefit  of  the  monastery. 

From  these  records  it  would  appear  that  Robert 
was  a  careful  and  successful  administrator  of  the  tem- 
porahties  of  the  sec.     He  died  in  October,  1272. 

Gerald  (1273-1301). 

After  the  death  of  Robert,  the  chapter  of  the  diocese 
consisting  of  Thomas,  dean  ;  Thomas,^  precentor  ;  Guydo, 
chancellor  ;  Richard  Brice,  treasurer  ;  Gerald,  arch- 
deacon ;  David  Cornubiens,  Henry  Russel,  Richard  of 
Limerick,  Nicholas  De  Wodeford,  and  John  Fitzhugh, 
met  at  St.  Nicholas  Church,  where  they  drew  up  a  de- 
claration of  the  rights  and  liberties  of  the  chapter,  before 
proceeding  to  elect  a  bishop.     They  were  as  follows  : — 

(i.)  When  the  bishop  visited  the  diocese  in  person, 
or  his  officers,  they  should  not  receive  any  procurations, 
or  extort  anything  by  exactions  in  the  places  they  visited, 
as  they  had  houses  of  their  own  in  every  part  of  the 
diocese  to  which  they  could  conveniently  resort. 

(2.)  When  the  deanery  became  vacant,  the  dean  was 
to  be  chosen  by  the  election  of  the  whole  or  the  greater 

1  B.B.L.,  pp.    106-113. 

2  Ibid.,  p.  50  and  foUowin,^.  In  this  docummt  the  scribe  seems 
to  have  mistaken  nuUus  for  uUus. 


142  THE    DIOCESE    OF   LHIERICK. 

part  of  the  chapter  ;  which  election  being  made  accord- 
ing to  the  canons,  the  bishop  should  ratify  and  confirm 
without  contradiction. 

(3.)  The  bishop  should  not  by  any  means  confer  the 
other  dignities  of  the  chapter  on  strangers  when  they 
should  become  vacant,  but  upon  such  of  the  canons 
as  were  remarkable  for  the  regularity  of  their  morals, 
and  that  should  be  done  by  the  advice  of  the  canons 
or  the  majority  of  them. 

(4.)  When  the  lesser  prebends  became  vacant  they 
might  be  conferred  by  the  bishop,  with  the  advice  of 
the  canons,  or  the  majority  of  them,  on  strangers  ;  but 
such  only  as  were  willing  and  able  to  relieve  the  church 
in  its  necessities,  and  defend  it  from  unjust  grievances. 

(5.)  That  no  future  bishop  was  to  alienate  in  any 
manner,  or  transfer  the  lands  of  the  church  or  its  pos- 
sessions on  any  person  without  a  previous  treaty  with 
the  whole  chapter  or  the  greater  part  of  it. 

(6.)  That  no  bishop  was  to  claim  to  himself  the 
whole  or  any  part  of  the  common  fund  granted  by  pre- 
ceding bishops,  or  any  others  to  the  dean  and  chapter 
of  the  church  of  Limerick,  or  lessen  it  ;  his  right  to 
admonish  the  dean,  however,  remaining  in  full  force  ; 
and  that  he  should  endeavour  by  all  means  in  his  power 
to  enlarge  the  common  fund,  dignities,  prebends,  and 
their  liberties. 

(7.)  That  ten  chaplains,  at  least,  should  be  main- 
tained in  the  cathedral  church  henceforth,  who  besides 
discharging  the  due  service  of  the  said  church,  shall  be 
bound  to  say  Mass  daily  for  the  living  and  deceased 
benefactors  of  the  said  church,  to  whom  a  competent 
stipend  should  be  given,  according  to  their  merits,  from 
the  common  fund,  due  to  the  chapter  and  canons  by 
certain  persons  deputed  by  the  said  chapter  for  that 
purpose,  and  that  the  remainder  be  deposited  in  the 
treasury  of  said  church,  to  be  used  for  the  defence  of 


THE   ORGANIZATION    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  I43 

said  church,  and  whatever  share  may  remain  over  and 
above  it  should  be  reserved  for  the  use  and  benefit  of 
the  canons. 

Lest  the  hberty  granted  to  the  dean  and  chapter 
by  Hubert  of  happy  memory,  formerly  Bishop  of  the 
Diocese,  and  which  was  enjoyed  in  his  time  and 
in  the  time  of  Robert,  his  successor,  for  forty  years  and 
more  without  contradiction,  should  seem  to  be  lapsed 
by  any  dissimulation,  we  have  thought  it  right  to  insert 
It  in  this  present  writ,  viz.  : — That  the  dean  of  the 
cathedral  may  be  enabled  freely  to  visit  all  the  prebends 
belonging  to  the  aforesaid  church  by  his  own  authority, 
and  at  the  time  appointed  by  the  law,  so  that  no  bishop 
may  claim  the  right  of  visiting  them  either  in  person  nor 
by  his  oi^cers. 

In  order  that  these  regulations  should  have  a  binding 
force,  each  one  confirmed  them  by  oath  and  also  bound 
themselves  by  the  same  oath  that  if  any  of  them  were 
elected  bishop,  he  would  uphold  the  same  rights 
and  liberties  by  his  authority,  and  procure  the  con- 
firmation of  them  by  the  Pope  at  the  joint  expense  of 
himself  and  the  chapter  ;  but  if  the  bishop  delayed  to 
comply  with  the  regulations  he  was  to  be  branded 
with  the  infamy  of  perjury,  and  the  dean  and  canons 
who  abided  by  their  oath  were  to  be  released  from  their 
obedience  to  him. 

1272.1  Gerald,  the  archdeacon,  was  appointed  bishop, 
and  the  king  sent  an  order  that  the  Archbishop  of  Cashel 
was  to  consecrate  him.  Sometime  before  the  election 
Gerald  was  entrusted  by  the  king  with  the  temporalities 
of  the  diocese  during  the  vacancy.  As  bishop  2  he 
confirmed  the  declarations  of  the  chapter,  and  intro- 
duced some  new  laws. 


'  See  S.C.D.I.,  year  1272. 

^  B.B.L.,  p.    57.     At   p.    55    there  are  some  new    regulations  re- 
garding the  Diocese. 


144  THE    DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

There  are  a  number  of  documents  in  the  Black  Book 
relating  to  his  administration,  chiefly  referring  to  the 
temporal  affairs  of  the  diocese,  which  are  here  set  out  in 
detail  : — 

William  Fitzmartin  ^  granted  to  him  one  carucate 
of  land,  lying  near  Kilmallock  to  the  east,  also  Gerald 
Fitzmilon  and  Claria  fil  pagan,  certain  lands  near  the 
same  town. 

1274.  John  Penrys,2  senior,  quit  claimed  to  Gerald 
all  his  rights  and  titles  in  the  whole  tenement  of  Loughill, 
except  two  carucates,  which  he  retained  with  the  same 
rights  and  titles  by  which  Thomas  Browne  held  them 
from  Robert,  late  Bishop.  A  final  agreement  was  made 
between  Hugh  Purcell  ^  and  Gerald  concerning  half  a 
carucate  and  thirty-two  acres  of  land,  120  acres  of  wood, 
ten  acres  of  turbary  and  their  appurtenances,  in  Clon- 
lismore,  Clonsderbasse,  and  Maycro. 

1298.  Maurice  le  Marescal,*  quit  claimed  to  the  bishop 
the  land  of  Ardagh. 

Adae  Flander  ^  quit  claimed  to  Gerald  whatever 
rights  he  possessed  in  the  tenement  of  Clonylte,  and 
Richard  Flander  conferred  on  the  church  of  St.  Mary 
the  jus  patronatus  of  the  tenement  of  Magrany  (Kiltanna, 
near  Knockaderry). 

John  Fitzgerald  ^  quit  claimed  to  the  bishop,  one 
and  a-half  carucates  of  land  in  the  tenement  of  Tullach- 
bracy. 

During  his  episcopacy  the  cathedral  received  the 
following  grants  : — 

Thomas  de  Clare  "  bestowed  on  the  dean  and  chapter 


1  B.B.L.,  pp.  18,  19,  13. 

2  Ibid.,  p.  32. 
^Ibid.,  p.  ii. 
*  Ibid.,  p.  49. 

5  Ibid.,  pp.  96,  92. 

'i  Ibid.,  p.  91. 

7  Ihid.,  pp.  93,  97,  98,  99. 


THE    ORGANIZATION   OF   THE    DIOCESE.  I45 

the  jus  fatronatus  of  the  church  of  Corkomoyd.  After 
his  death,  his  wife,  Juhana,  a  daughter  of  Maurice 
Fitzgerald,  late  justiciary,  quit  claimed  the  same  church 
as  did  John  Fitzthomas,  who  acquired  some  right  over 
it  through  his  cousin  Amabilia,  who  was  sister  to  Juliana. 
One  of  the  witnesses  to  this  document  was  the  Prior  of 
Holy  Trinity  Monastery  of  Adare.  When  all  these 
rights  were  obtained,  Gerald  united  the  rectory  and 
vicarage  for  the  benefit  of  the  chapter. 

1278.  vSimon  Fitzwalter,i  rector,  resigned  the  church 
of  Crecora,  situated  in  Ocholchur,  which  was  handed 
over  by  the  bishop  to  the  dean  and  chapter. 

1287.  Gerald  2  made  the  church  of  Effin,  in  all  its 
entirety,  a  prebend  of  the  Church  of  Limerick,  with  the 
consent  of  the  noble  Maurice  Rochfort,  the  true  patron 
of  said  church.  Maurice  and  his  heirs  should  have  the 
right  of  presenting  a  fitting  priest  as  often  as  the  prebend 
should  become  vacant,  and  that  the  bishop  should  receive 
him  without  hesitation  or  hindrance,  and  assign  him 
his  place  in  the  chapter,  reserving  to  himself  the  dean's 
and  archdeacon's  dues. 

In  order  that  the  aforesaid  canon  and  prebend  should 
have  full  liberty,  the  vicars  serving  in  said  church  should 
have  the  whole  and  entire  care  of  souls  in  the  entire 
parish  for  the  stipend  reserved  for  their  maintenance, 
and  they  were  bound  to  personal  and  continual  residence. 

Moreover,  it  was  arranged  that  the  two  vicars  should 
be  maintained  in  the  cathedral  of  St.  Mary  out  of  the 
property  belonging  to  the  church  of  Effin  in  such  a  way 
as  that  each  of  them  should  receive  60s.  a  year  to  say 
Mass  every  day  for  ever  for  the  soul  of  Maurice  and  his 
deceased  wife,  his  ancestors,  successors.  Lords  Nicholas 
and  Wilham  de  Clare,  together  with  their  brothers  and 

1  B.B.L.,  p.  44,  see  also  34. 

2  Ibid.,  p.  111-113,  also  Memorials  of  Adare. 


146  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

relatives,  as  often  as  they  shall  not  be  appointed  to 
other  Masses,  according  to  the  regulations  of  St.  Mary's  ; 
and  when  deputed  to  other  Masses,  they  shall  say 
a  special  Collect  for  the  above  intention. 

In  A.D.  1297  Gerald  recovered  from  Robert  Meigah 
(May),  one  messuage,  one  plowland,  and  400  acres  of 
wood,  in  the  lands  of  Lisredy  (near  Loughill),  which  had 
been  given  to  him  by  Robert,  late  bishop,  without  the 
consent  of  the  chapter.* 

He  died  in  the  year  1301,  after  ruling  the  see  for 
twenty  years.  Myles,  Bishop  of  Limerick,  grandson  of 
the  earl  whose  death  is  recorded  by  the  Annals  of  the 
Four  Masters  at  the  year  1302,  must  be  the  same  as 
Gerald  le  MarescalL-  The  person  called  the  earl  by  the 
Irish  annalists  was  evidently  Earl  Wilham  Marshall. 


1  See  Ware's  Bishops  of  Limerick,  p.  507. 

2  See  Anns.  Four  Masters,  vol.  iii.,  p.  475. 


FACSIMILE  OF  PLAN  OF  LIMERICK  CASTLE  (circa  1611) 
From  Pacata  Hibernia,  Dublin,  1810. 
The  following  arc  the  references:— 
A  Three  Round  Towers  that  bear  Ordinance;  B,  The  New  Bulwark,  capable  of  506 
great  peeces;  C,  Store  House:  D.  Drawbridge;   p].  The  Aitche  ;  F,  A  bally  Porte: 
G   Part  of  Town  Wall ;    H.  The  Bridge  owcr  into  Thoiuond ;   I,  Dores  into   Tower ; 
k",  An  ascent  by  staires  to  the  footpath  on  ye  wall ;  L,  A  slope  ascent  to  yc  platforms 

on  ye  bulwark.  [  face  page  147. 


XTbirteentb  Century. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

THE    AFFAIRS    OF   THE    CITY. 

When  the  Normans  (1194)  became  masters  of  the  city 
they  introduced  the  Enghsh  form  of  government.  For 
the  first  few  years  the  citizens  were  governed  by  provosts, 
but  after  receiving  a  charter  from  King  John  in  the  year 
1197,  conferring  on  them  the  same  rights  and  privileges 
as  the  citizens  of  Dubhn  and  Bristol  ;  they  were  em- 
powered to  form  a  corporation,  and  elect  a  mayor  and 
bailiffs — a  form  of  government  tliat  has  prevailed  to 
our  own  time. 

It  has  been  represented  from  its  first  appearance  in 
history  as  a  strongly  fortified  town,  and  in  King  John's 
reign  a  strong  castle  was  erected  and  constables  regu- 
larly appointed  to  guard  it. 

During  the  vice-royalty  of  John  de  Gray  (1210-1213), 
Bishop  of  Norwich,  the  citizens  received  a  grant  of  forty 
carucates  of  land  lying  round  the  city.  The  exact  posi- 
tion of  these  lands  can  now  be  accurately  determined 
from  an  inquisition  2  which  was  held  into  the  property 
of  the  corporation  in  the  year  1615.  From  it  we  learn 
that  sixteen  carucates  were  situated  at  the  Clare  side 
of  the  Shannon,  and  the  names  of  the  townlands  are  much 
the  same  as  at  present.  The  following  were  the  sixteen 
carucates  at  the  Clare  side,  viz.  : — 

Castleblake,  or  Castleblathac,  as  it  was  called  in  more 

1  S.C.D.I.  under  year. 

2  This  inquisition  is  printed  in  a  book  relating  to  the  Limerick 
Fishery  Lawsuit,  Maicomson  versus  O'Dea  and  Meany,  The  one  I 
have  studied  and  will  be  inserted  in  Appendix.  Also  in  Fitzgerald's 
History  of  Limerick,  vol.  li..  Appendix  No.  4,  not  complete. 


148  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

ancient  documents,  was  granted  by  the  citizens  to  Henry 
(1213-1228),  Archbishop  of  Dubhn,  who  in  turn  granted 
it  to  one  Matilda  before  her  marriage  with  Wilham  de 
Mariscis.  When  that  nobleman  became  an  outlaw  the 
castle  and  lands  were  taken  into  the  king's  custod}^  In 
the  year  1245  ^  Matilda  petitioned  the  king  to  have  the 
castle  restored  to  her  in  right  of  her  grant  from  the  arch- 
bishop. In  Petty's  2  Grant  is  is  called  Farranshone  alias 
Castleblake,  the  name  by  which  it  is  known  at  present. 
The  castle  has  long  since  disappeared,  but  the  site  is 
still  pointed  out. 

Kilrush  (part  of  North  Circular  Road),  Farrangown, 
or  Smithsland  (Coolraine  ?)  Clowin-mackine,  (Clon- 
macken). 

Four  parcels  of  land,  viz.  : — Ardnegallag  (Knock), 
Caherdavy  (Caherdavin),  Shanevolly  (Shanabooloy),  Fnr- 
rencoumarry  (obsolete). 

Ballygadynan  (Ballygrennan),  Clonecunnon,  or 
Cahernefinellic  (Clonconane),  Cownagh  (Coonagh), 
Clownedrynagh  (Clondrinagh),  Bally  Inaghtenmore 
(Ballynantymore),  Moylish,  Bally  Inaghtenbeg  (Bally- 
nantybeg). 

Prior's  land,  a  part  of  the  possessions  of  St.  Mary's 
House,  extending  from  the  Strand  Barracks  towards 
Killeely,  by  the  river. 

Farrenykelly,  part  of  the  glebe  of  Killeely. 

Knockinishin,  Ballycanan,  Capaghtiemore,  Glenene- 
grosse,  one  ploughland  in  Frybeigh,  Crattellaghmoel 
(Cratloe),  Crattellaghkeil,  Castledonnell,  or  Crauellagh- 
more,  and  Querenboy. 

The  remaining  twenty-four  curacutes  were  situated 
at  the  Limerick  side  of  the  Shannon,  and  were,  viz.  : — 


1  See  S.C.D.I. 

2  See  Report  of  Commissioners  of  Irish  Records  (1821-1825). 


THE   AFFAIRS    OF   THE   CITY.  149 

Ten  caiiicates  in  Omayl  (part  of  Knocknagaul), 
formerly  granted  to  Edmund,  Bishop  of  Limerick. 

The  House  of  Lepers  held  one  ploughland,  Corbally, 
Bealus  or  Courtbrack  (from  the  Redemptorist  Church 
to  the  present  race-course),  Farrenygallagh  (Rosbrien), 
part  of  Ratwyrd  (Rathurd),  small  parcels  lying  near 
St.  John's  Gate,  Park,  Renbough  (Reboge),  Ballysyado 
(Ballysheedy),  parcels  called  Dwylish,  Ballymoldowyn, 
Rathmicheli,  Rathbanc,  Crewe  Ivvally,  alias  Ballyclogh, 
Ardenevedoge. 

St.  Mary's  Priory  held  five  carucates  at  this  side  of 
the  river,  now  called  South  Priorsland,  rmd  includes 
that  part  of  the  city  about  the  Dominican  Church  and 
whatever  other  part  of  St.  Michael's  parish  is  held  by 
Lord  Limerick,  who,  as  a  descendant  of  Sexton,  in- 
herited the  possessions  of  this  religious  house. 

The   city,   under   the   new   order   of   things,   greatly 
increased  in  population,  and  its  limits  had  to  be  extended. 
The  fortifications  had  also  to  be  strengthened,  if  it  were 
still  to  be  of  use  as  a  stronghold  in  the  heart  of  a  country 
whose   inhabitants   were   Irish,    and   ever   ready,   when 
opportunity  offered,  to  shake  off  the  yoke  of  the  stranger. 
1237.1  The  king  accordingly  granted  the  customs  of 
the  city  for  six  years  to  the  "  good  men  of  Limerick," 
to  enable  them  to  carry  out  the  projected  works,  at  the 
same  time  reminding  them  that  they  ought  to  contribute 
more  liberally  their  own  money  to  such  a  praiseworthy- 
object.     The  list  of  the  articles  coming  into  Limerick 
that  were  taxed   is  interesting,  as  it  gives  us  a  far-away 
glimpse  of  the  articles  of  commerce  in  those  days,  and 
are  here  set  out,  viz.  : — 

For  every  crannock  of  wheat  coming  into  the  city 
on  sale,  \d.  ;  every  crannock  of  oats,  ^rd.  ;  every  horse 
or  cow,  id.  ;  every  four  hogs,  jd.  ;  every  six  sheep,  id.  ; 

1  .S.C.D.I. 


150  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

every  last  of  hides,  2od.  ;  every  sack  of  wool,  ^d.  ;  every 
hogshead  of  wine,  2d.  ;  every  wey  of  iron,  2d.  ;  every 
cartload  of  lead,  2d.  ;  every  truss  of  cloth  or  other  mer- 
chandise, ^d.  ;  every  crannock  of  salt,  ^d.  ;  every  cran- 
nock  of  wood,  every  wey  of  onions  or  cheese,  ^.d.  ;  every 
hogshead  of  honey  or  butter,  4^.  ;  every  mease  of  herrings^ 
hd.  ;  every  horse  burden  of  salmon,  id.  ;  every  hundred 
of  wares,  2d. 

In  1252  a  mint  was  established  in  the  city  for  regu- 
larly coining  money,  which  must  have  greatly  facilitated 
commercial  dealings,  and  greatly  increased  the  pros- 
perity of  the  citizens  who,  judging  from  the  names  of 
the  period,  were  a  medley  of  many  nations. 

1274.1  At  the  latter  end  of  this  century  their  pros- 
perity would  seem  to  be  on  the  decline,  as  they  were 
forced  to  petition  the  king  to  relieve  them  from  certain 
grievances,  viz. — 

(i)  They  received  from  ^Maurice  Fitzgerald,  who  was 
justiciary  in  the  year  1244,  a  certain  weir  in  the  Shannon 
at  Limerick,  for  three  years,  and  no  longer  ;  since  then 
they  were  compelled  to  pay  for  and  maintain  the  weir, 
very  much  against  their  will. 

(2)  That  the  forty  carucates  they  held  without  the 
city  had  been  encroached  upon  by  the  Irish,  who  took 
away  all  the  "  fruits  and  uses  "  of  it,  and  they  were  no 
longer  able  to  pay  the  rent,  which  was  £40  per  year. 

(3)  James  de  Aldideleg  and  other  justiciaries  took 
several  prizes  from  the  citizens,  and  no  compensation 
had  been  made  to  them. 

(4)  When  Richard  de  la  Rokel,  a  former  justiciary, 
with  other  magnates  of  Ireland,  were  in  Limerick  for  the 
purpose  of  suppressing  the  Irish,  the  city  took  fire  and 
was  burned.  To  recoup  them  for  their  loss  on  that 
occasion   it   was   decided  that   each   county   of   Ireland 

1  S.C.D.I. 


THE   AFFAIRS    OF   THE    CITY.  151 

under  English  rule  would  contribute  twenty  marks  to 
cover  the  damage. 

King  Edward  ordered  Geoffrey  de  Genvylle,  then 
justiciary,  to  hold  an  inquisition  into  the  alleged  griev- 
ances, and  forward  to  him  the  result  of  the  enquiry. 

The  inquisition  was  held  immediately  by  a  jury  of 
the  citizens  on  their  oath,  who  furnished  a  very  full  and 
accurate  report,  which  confirmed  the  truth  of  the  griev- 
ances already  brought  under  the  notice  of  the  king. 
The  report  was  despatched  by  the  viceroy  to  the  king, 
advising  him  to  confer  some  favour  on  the  citizens,  as 
the  city  held  an  important  place  against  the  enemy, 
and  suffered  much  in  the  past  from  the  Irish,  also  from 
the  "  prizes  "  taken  by  the  justiciaries. 

In  a  few  years  the  king  released  them  from  the  burden 
of  the  weir,  and  set  it  to  a  tenant.  In  1291  ^  he  granted 
them  a  charter  in  answer  to  their  petition,  and  set  out 
definitely  the  privileges  and  liberties  of  the  city.  It  is 
stated  that  the  charter  of  Dublin  was  examined  to  know 
exactly  what  the  privileges  were,  and  are  now  mentioned 
in  detail  for  the  Limerick  citizens,  viz.  : — 

That  no  citizen  of  Limerick  shall  plead  without  the 
walls  of  the  city  to  any  plea  except  pleas  of  exterior  tene- 
ments which  do  not  appertain  to  the  court  of  the  hundred 
of  said  city,  and  that  they  be  quieted  of  murder  within  the 
bounds  of  said  city,  and  that  no  citizen  engage  in  duel  in  the 
same  city,  or  any  appeal  which  anyone  may  make  against 
him,  but  shall  clear  himself  by  the  oaths  of  forty  men  of 
the  same  city  who  are  legal,  and  for  the  advantage  of  said 
city  to  be  built  upon. 

The  citizens  were  allowed  to  have  the  annual  fair, 
as  heretofore,  from  the  eve  of  St.  James  the  Apostle 
and  twelve  subsequent  days,  with  all  the  liberties  and 
free  customs  pertaining  to  such  a  fair. 

1  S.C.D.I. 


Xlbirteentb  Centui*v\ 


CHAPTER  X. 

THE  ANGLO-NORMAN   MANORS   IN   THE   DIOCESE. 

There  are  only  a  few  records  extant  relating  to  the 
Anglo-Norman  settlements  in  the  coimtr}^  portion  of  the 
diocese,  in  the  close  of  the  twelfth  and  beginning  of  the 
thirteenth  century,  and  these  principally  refer  to  places 
near  the  city. 

Though  there  are  no  records  to  show  when  they  first 
secured  a  permanent  footing  in  the  county,  it  is  evident 
that  they  must  have  acquired  fixity  of  tenure  in  the 
early  part  of  this  century,  as  there  is  evidence  of  a  well 
established  form  of  government  and  observance  of  law, 
as  it  was  known  in  those  times.  However,  it  is  only 
in  the  latter  half  of  the  century  that  we  are  able  to  get 
any  definite  information  regarding  the  families  and  the 
lands  they  possessed.  This  information  is  supplied  by 
inquisitions  taken  during  the  minority  of  the  heirs  of 
certain  manors,  which  were  taken  into  the  king's  hands 
initil  the  minors  arrived  at  their  majority. 

The  Geraldincs. 

The  first  of  the  noble  family  of  the  Gcraldines  who 
settled  down  in  the  County  Limerick,  and  laid  the 
foundations  of  the  house  of  Desmond,  was  Thomas 
Fitzmaurice,!  who  died  in  the  year  1215. 

He  left  a  son  and  heir,  John  Fitzthomas,^  whose 
wardship  and  marriage  was  purchased  from  the  crown  by 

1  See  Earls  of  Kildare  by  Marquis  of  Kildare  ;  .ilso  I,ynch's  View 
of  the  Legal  Institutions,  etc.,  in  Ireland,  p.  232,  etc. 

2  S.C.D.I. 


THE    ANGLO-NORMAN    MANORS    IN    THE    DIOCESE.      I53 

his  mother  for  5,000  marks.  The  following  year  it  was 
granted  to  Thomas  Fitzanthony,  Seneschal  of  Leinster, 
and  County  Waterford,  where  he  had  large  estates.  Fitz- 
anthony died  in  1229,  leaving  one  daughter,  who  married 
John  Fitzthomas  while  in  ward.  John  at  the  time  of 
the  marriage  seems  to  have  been  of  age,  as  he  received  a 
summons  from  the  king  to  attend  him,  with  other  nobles 
of  England  and  Ireland. 

In  1232  1  he  is  entered  as  paying  the  relief  due  on 
his  wife's  share  of  her  father's  inheritance,  and  also  for 
paying  some  debts  due  to  the  Crown  by  his  father-in-law. 

In  1244  a  grant  was  made  to  him  and  his  heirs  for 
ever  of  free  chase  and  warren  through  his  estates  in 
Okonyl  (Connelloe).  No  one  had  the  right  of  entering 
on  these  privileges  without  his  or  his  heirs'  permission. 
Being  (1258)  now  well  secured  in  his  Limerick  estates, 
he  resolved  to  extend  his  possessions  by  annexing  some 
of  Thomond,  then  in  the  patrimony  of  the  O'Briens. 
He  gathered  his  retainers,  and  entered  that  country, 
where  he  effected  a  temporary  settlement,  but  the 
turmoil  and  confusion  that  followed  not  only  rendered 
his  acquisition  of  little  value,  but  endangered  the  inde- 
pendence of  the  city  of  Limerick. 

When  Prince  Edward  obtained  the  Lordship  of 
Ireland  from  his  father  (1260),  Fitzthomas  crossed  over 
to  England,  and  succeeded  in  obtaining  from  that  prince 
the  lands  of  Decies  and  Desmond,  together  with  the 
castle  of  Dungarvan.  After  a  long  and  eventful  career 
he  was  slain  in  an  engagement  with  the  MacCarthys, 
at  Callan,2  near  Kenmare,  and  with  him  fell  his  son, 
Maurice  Fitzjohn  who,  by  Matilda  de  Barry,  his  wife, 
left  one  son,  Thomas  Fitzmaurice,^  a  mere  infant. 


1  See   S.C.D.I.,  where   most   of   the   mformation   relating   to   this 
lamily  is  found,  unless  otherwise  mentioned. 

2"i26i  Anns.  Four  Masters,  see  vol.  iii.,  p.  382,  note. 
3  See  Gilbert's  Viceroys  of  Ireland. 


154  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

When  the  news  of  the  defeat  reached  Tralee  the 
child's  nurses  fled  in  terror  from  the  castle.  A  large 
domestic  ape  took  the  deserted  baby  to  the  roof  of  the 
castle  and  round  the  battlements,  to  the  great  dismay 
of  the  spectators,  and  afterwards  placed  him  tenderly 
in  his  cradle.  From  this  circumstance  the  boy  as  he 
grew  to  manhood  was  called  by  the  Irish,  Thomas  N'Apa» 
or  Thomas  of  the  Ape.  This  is  said  to  account  for  the 
ape  in  the  Geraldine  arms. 

The  MacCarthys  followed  up  their  victory  by  invading 
the  Geraldine  territory,  and  levelled  their  castles  in 
Kerry.  Then  they  proceeded  into  the  County  Limerick 
and  wasted  their  possessions  in  Ui  Conaill  Gabhra,  also 
burned  and  levelled  the  castles  there  and  put  their 
English  warders  to  death. 

During  the  minority  of  Thomas  his  lands  were  taken 
into  the  king's  custody.  When  he  became  of  age,  in 
the  year  1282,  he  prayed  restoration  of  his  inheritance. 
The  king  ordered  an  inquisition  to  be  held  concerning 
the  lands  occupied  by  his  grandfather,  John,  whose  heir 
he  was.  It  was  found  that  he  held  vast  estates  in  the 
counties  of  Kildare,  Waterford,  Cork,  Kerry,  and 
Limerick. 

He  held  in  the  County  Limerick  a  cantred  in  Cunyl 
(Connelloe),  called  Shamnede  (Shanid)  of  the  king,  i)i^ 
capite,  for  the  service  of  two  knights,  worth  at  the  time 
of  his  death,  ;^ioo.  Half  a  theodum  (tuath)  at  Glenogra, 
which  he  held  of  Maurice  Fitzgerald,  1  for  the  service  of 
one  knight  and  suit  at  the  court  of  AUecath  (Athlacca), 
also  Welese  of  the  citizens  of  Limerick.  This  account  of 
his  possessions  in  the  county  seems  to  be  imperfect,  as 
the  roll  from  which  they  were  copied  was  much  injured 
by  damp. 

Thomas  was  put  into  possession  of  the  vast  property 

1  i.e.  of  the  Kildare  branch. 


THE    ANGLO-NORMAN    MANORS    IN    THE    DIOCESE.        155 

of  his  grandfather,  and  then  married  Margaret  de  Burgh, 
daughter  of  the  Earl  of  Ulster.  He  was  trained  to  arms 
under  Thomas  de  Clare,  who  was  continually  at  war  with 
the  Irish.  He  went  into  England  and  spent  some  time 
at  Court,  where  he  was  a  great  favourite  with  the  king 
and  nobles  of  the  realm.  He  was  frequently  summoned 
by  the  king,  together  with  other  nobles  to  assist  him  in 
his  foreign  wars.  Having  been  specially  summoned  in 
the  year  1287  to  assist  the  king,  he  wrote  to  the  Bishop 
of  Bath,  pleading  as  an  excuse  for  his  non-attendance, 
that  the  Irish  were  greatly  elated  at  the  Welsh  war, 
and  some  of  them  having  raised  war,  it  was  absolutely 
necessary  for  him  to  remain  in  Ireland  during  the  winter. 

He  was  also  a  great  favourite  among  the  magnates  of 
Ireland,  as  they  selected  him  to  fill  the  office  of  Justiciary 
of  Ireland  (1295)  until  such  time  as  the  king  was  able  to 
make  an  appointment.  He  died  in  Caislen  Nua 
O'Conaill  (Newcastle  West)  "after  the  carrying  away  of 
victory  from  Devil  and  from  world,"  in  the  vigour  of 
his  youth,  at  the  age  of  thirty-eight,  in  June,  129S,  and 
was  buried  in  Tralee.  ^ 

After  his  death  an  inquisition  was  taken  of  his  estates, 
and  their  value  being  ascertained  they  were  taken  into 
the  king's  custody,  and  leased  to  suitable  tenants  during 
the  minorit}^  of  his  son  and  heir. 

It  was  found  he  had  four  manors  in  the  County 
Limerick,  viz.,  Shanid,  Nov^o  Castro  (Newcastle  West), 
Killyde,  and  Glenogra,  showing  thereby  that  he 
considerably  augmented  the  lands  he  inherited  from 
his  grandfather. 

The  manor  -  was  of  Norman  origin,  and  introduced 
by  them  into  England  after  the  Conquest  (1066). 
William  I  after  being  securely  established  on  the  English 
throne  is  said  to  have  parcelled  out  certain  circuits  of 

1  See  Clery's  Pedigree,  Jouy.   R.S.A.I.,   vol.   v.,   4th  series. 

2  See  Jacob's  Lau'  Dictionary. 


156  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

land  to  his  barons,  or  men  of  like  worth,  for  themselves 
and  their  heirs,  to  dwell  upon  and  exercise  such  juris- 
diction in  these  territories  as  the  king  thought  fit  to 
grant  them,  for  which  the}^  were  bound  to  render  certain 
services  and  to  pay  certain  rents  as  specified  in  the 
grant. 

The  barons  that  held  their  lands  in  this  manner  from 
the  king  were  said  to  hold  them  in  capite.  They  in  turn 
let  the  lands  of  the  manor  thus  acquired  to  other  tenants, 
who  were  subject  to  them  as  lords  of  the  manor,  and 
were  composed  chiefly  of  two  classes,  called  free  tenants 
and  Betagii.^ 

The  free  tenants  held  their  lands  subject  to  a  nominal 
rent,  and  were  generally  obliged  to  do  suit  in  the  court 
of  the  manor.  They  acted  much  like  our  magistrates 
now  in  the  petty  sessions  courts. 

The  Betagii,  .who  were  generally  Irish,  were  allowed 
to  hold  land  in  their  native  districts  under  the  new 
rulers  as  serfs,  and  their  position  was  similar  to  that 
of  vellein  tenure  in  England.  They  belonged  to  the 
lord  of  the  soil.  When  he  wished  to  dispose  of  his 
property  for  convenience  or  gain,  they  passed  as  part 
of  the  assets  to  the  in-coming  lord,  as  we  shall  see. 

When  the  Anglo-Normans  succeeded  in  becoming 
proprietors  of  large  districts  in  the  county,  they  estab- 
lished the  feudal  system,  which  was  that  of  a  victorious 
army  quartered  in  a  conquered  country.  In  examining 
the  formation  of  the  manor,  it  will  be  found  that  the  old 
Celtic  divisions  were  left  unchanged,  and  through  the 
vicissitudes  of  time  still  retain  many  of  their  ancient 
characteristics. 

This,  of  itself,  is  a  clear  indication  of  the  well- 
organized  government  and  high  pitcli  of  civilization 
that  existed  among  the  ancient  Irish,  as  the  essence  of 

1  A  deduction  from  the  reading  of  S.C.D.T.,  and  is  exemplified 
in  following  Inquisitions. 


THE   ANGLO-NORMAN    MANORS    IN    THE    DIOCESE.        157 

a  well  ordered  society  is  respect  for  individual  rights. 
This  fact  alone  must  have  exerted  a  great  influence  in 
making  the  Norman  grow  accustomed  to  Irish  ideals. 
In  adopting  the  Irish  divisions  and  sub-divisions  of 
land,  they  must  often  have  disputes  among  themselves 
about  boundaries  and  other  rights  attached  to  parti- 
cular divisions.  The  natives,  who  alone  possessed  the 
knowledge  requisite  for  deciding  such  disputes,  were 
naturally  consulted.  Daily  intercourse  of  this  kind  must 
have  been  a  powerful  though  silent  factor  in  wedding 
the  foreigner  to  the  manners  and  customisof  the  native. 


A,,-.,, 

-  <\^r ., . 

V-..  -.. 

't.i: 

*■*  -  aS: 

^.:- 

SHAMD     CASTLE. 

The  Manor  of  Shanid.^ 

This  manor,  as  has  been  remarked,  was  the  ancient 
home  of  the  Geraldines  in  the  county.  This  inquisition 
gives  a  very  minute  account  of  the  internal  organization 
of  the  manor,  as  well  as  the  relative  positions  of  the 
Norman  and  the  Irish  under  the  manorial  lord. 

i.S.C.D./.,    1298. 


158  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

Demesne  Lands. — After  the  death  of  Thomas,  in 
1298,  a  jury  was  sworn  to  lind  out  the  exact  value  of 
his  various  manors. 

They  found  in  the  Manor  of  Shanid  that  there  was 
360  acres  of  arable  land,  which  they  valued  at  6d.  per 
acre.  16  acres  of  meadow  and  2  acres  at  Adlen  at  6d, 
per  acre.  From  pasture  and  park  nothing  could  be 
received  as  no  one  would  rent  pasture  there.  There 
was  9  acres  of  arable  land  beside  the  demesne  called 
Kilbecan,  which  they  valued  at  4s.  6d.  per  year.  Total, 
£g  13s.  6d. 

The  Lands  held  by  the  Irish. — The  Irish  held 
three-quarters  of  land  at  Adthe  (Athea),  which  was  value 
for  40S.  in  time  of  peace  ;  Manchmore  (Banemore),  40s. 
in  time  of  peace  ;  half  a  quarter  at  Ballauchdram  lying 
waste  and  producing  nothing,  because  it  lies  among  the 
Irish.  These  townlands  comprised  the  country  lying 
between  Ballyhahill  and  Athea,  evidently  inhabited  by 
Irish  enjoying  their  own  laws  and  a  certain  amount  of 
independence. 

The  following  townlands  were  scattered  through  the 
manor,  and  generally  contained  the  worst  lands  : — 

Half  a  quarter  at  Clouncarnan  (obsolete),  value 
13s.  4d.  per  year. 

Cloinclouthny  (on  Knockpatrick  hill),  value  13s.  4^. 
per  year. 

Half  quarter  at  Tolauhariter,  value  i  mark  per  year. 

One  quarter  at  Funnath  (Finnoe),  value  26s.  8^.  per 
year. 

Half  quarter  at  Ballimalys  (Ballynash),  value  20s.  per 
year. 

Bally coman,  value  i6s.  Sd.  per  year. 

Parcels  of  land  at  Sangenauth  and  Goaitroyth,  value 
40s.  yer  year. 

Ballyboher  and  Knockeveny,  value  los.  per  year. 


THE   ANGLO-NORMAN    MANOKS    IN    THE    DIOCESE.        159 

Garran  (a  townland  near  Foynes,  obsolete),  value 
16s.  per  year. 

Crag,  value  lO  marks  per  year. 

Small  parcel  held  by  the  smith,  near  Castle,  value 
2s.  per  year. 

Total,  £19  los. 

Free  Tenants.— John  Fitzjohn,i  half  a  tuath  in 
Glancorby  (parish  of  Glin),  for  20s.  when  royal  service 
was  proclaimed,  and  does  suit  at  court. 

John  Clouthram  and  Thomas  Crispin,  12  acres  at 
Kerwenger,  rendering  6s.  8d.,  and  does  suit. 

Margery  Goer,  half  tuath  at  Robert's  Castle  (now 
Robertstown),  20s.  when  royal  service  is  proclaimed, 
and  also  pays  5s.  rent. 

Raymond  de  Valle  (Wall),  two  parts  of  a  moiety  of 
I  tuath  in  Dunmoylan,  for  los.  when  royal  service  is 
proclaimed,  and  does  suit  ;  he  also  renders  for  Ballyrng 
(Bally roe)  24s.  6d. 

Robert  de  Lees,  half  tuath  in  Lysmuir  (Lismakery  ?), 
for  20s.,  and  does  suit. 

John  Fitzjohn,  a  third  part  of  half  a  tuath  in 
Mohyrgan  (Morgans),  for  20s.  when  royal  service  is 
proclaimed,   and  does  suit. 

Maurice  of  London,  half  a  carucate  in  Tilauthaneshan, 
rendering  2s.  per  year,  and  does  suit. 

Gilbert  de  Laundry,  half  tuath  in  Monitirdryan  2 
(parish  of  Kilbradran),  renders  nothing,  but  does  suit. 

Robert  de  Valle,  i  carucate  at  Ballyethan  (Ballyane), 
renders  26s.  8d.,  and  does  suit. 

The  heirs  of  William  Rothelan,  half  a  carucate  at 
Kylcroscran  (Kilcosgrave),  renders  26s.  Sd.''  to  the  Bishop 
of  Limerick,  to  acquit  part  of  the  demesne  lands  charged 
with  the  rent  of  the  bishop. 

1  Ancestor  of  the  Knights  of  Glin. 

2  See    Peyton's   Survey. 


l6o  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

Robert,  son  of  Robert  Purcell^  half  tuath  in  Rath- 
ronan  for  20s.,  when  royal  service  was  proclaimed, 

John  Gradok,  i  carucate  at  Carnhousteragh  (Caher- 
nagh),  los.  when  royal  service  is  proclaimed,  and  does 
suit. 

The  heirs  of  David  de  Capella,  3  curacates  at  Dun- 
geygh  (Dmicaha),  rendering  3s.  at  Easter,  and  does  suit. 

Henry  de  Capella,  i  carucate  in  Ardryn  (Ardaneer  ?), 
rendering  2s.,  and  does  suit. 

Thomas  Boscher,  half  carucate,  at  Gortmolkeran 
(part  of  Morgans  ?),  rendering  4s.  -^d.  per  acre,  and  does 
suit. 

Henr}'  Fitzrobert,  half  carucate  at  Balligaveryn 
(was  near  Foynes),  rendering  12^.  per  year,  without  suit. 

Milo  Bozon,  half  a  carucate  ^  in  Ogawyr  (Glenagower) 
without  rent,   and  does  suit. 

Total  service,  /6  ;  total  rent,  £4  i8s.  M. 

There  is  a  garden  with  its  curtilage  (a  plot  belonging 
to  a  dwelhng),  valued  at  6s.  8^. 

Hand  mills,  per  year,  6s.  Sd. 

Pannage,2  55.  8(i. 

Perquisites  of  court,  with  heriots,^  fines,  and  pay- 
ments of  Irish,  are  valued  at  40s. 

There  are  no  works  of  Betagii  because  they  are 
charged  with  rent  for  works,  gifts,  and  presents. 

There  is  nothing  from  warrens,  because  the  rabbits 
are    destroyed  by  foxes. 

A  mill  at  Newgrange,  13s.  ^d. 

Total,  £4  6s.  yd.  ;  total  of  totals,  £38  8s.  lod.,  where- 
from  was  subtracted  8s.  paid  yearly  to  the  Bishop     of 

'  Carucate  ^  120  acres.  See  Glossary  S.C.D.I.  (1285-1292), 
p.  668. 

2  The  food  which  swine  feed  upon  in  the  woods  as  the  mast  of 
beech,  acorns,  etc.     See  Jacob's  Law  Dictionary. 

3  Heriot  the  best  beast,  whether  horse  or  cow,  that  the  tenant 
dies  possessed  of,  due  and  payable  to  the  Lord  of  the  Manor,  etc. 
See  Jacob's  Law  Dictionary. 


THE    ANGLO-NORMAN    MANORS    IN    THE    DIOCESE.         l6l 

Limerick  by  Thomas,  for  land  which  his  grandfather 
granted  to  the  nuns  of  O'Konyl  {i.e.  St.  Catherine's,  near 
Shanagolden),  and  26s.  8d.  paid  to  the  same  bishop  to 
acquit  land  of  demesne  which  Thomas  held  of  him  there , 
total,  34s.  8d.  The  manor  is  worth  for  the  king's  use, 
£7,6  14s.  2d.  clear. 

The  Manor  of  Novo  Castro  {Newcastle  West). 

This  manor  comprised  the  ancient  tuaths  of  O'Bathyn 
and  Corco'  Oighe,  which  are  substantially  the  same  as 
the  present  poor-law  parishes  of  Newcastle  West, 
Monagea  and  Abbeyfeale.  In  this  inquisition  they  are 
not  separately  referred  to  except  the  sergeancy  of  each. 
We  have  a  better  knowledge  of  the  topography  of  this 
manor,  it  seems  more  desirable  to  group  the  townlands 
under  the  old  divisions. 

Taking  O'Bathyn  first,  the  jury  found  that  the  castle 
and  buildings  inside  the  wall,  as  well  as  those  without, 
were  of  no  value,  as  it  was  necessary  to  devote  larger 
sums  to  their  upkeep  than  can  be  levied  from  them. 

Free  Tenants.— Geoffry  Roberts  and  Robert  le 
Blund  held  half-quarter  of  land,  at  Deryndromcarme 
(Derrin,  near  Athea),  rendering  24s.  8^.  per  year,  and 
doing  suit  at  court. 

Wilham  Dundonenald,  half-quarter  in  Glyngowyn 
(Glenagown),  at  2d.  per  year,  and  does  suit. 

William  Toost,  10  acres  in  Lysmatleth  (now  obsolete), 
without  suit. 

Phihp  Fitzralph  and  Adam  de  Portesbury,  24  acres 
in  Le  Nanagh,  in  later  times  this  was  called  Le  Granagh, 
and  was  the  name  of  a  large  district  running  from  Ash- 
grove  over  the  hill  to  Athea,  and  comprised  several 
townlands. 

Farmers. — There  was  40  acres  in  Donaly  (Dooally), 

M 


l62  .  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

formerly  held  by  Philip   Fitzrobert,   valued  at  Sd.  per 
acre,  total,  £2  6s.  8d. 

Lands  of  Betagii. — A  quarter  of  land  at  Addouan 
(in  Athea  district),  value  in  time  of  peace,  13s.  4^. 

A  small  parcel  at  Glengort  (near  old  mill),  valued 
at  2s. 

Quarters  of  land  at  Rouscathmore  (Rooska)  and 
Rouscathbeg,  valued  at  £8. 

Berne  (Ballynabearna),  60s. 

Asdare  (Glennestar),  40s. 

Doukone  Wall,  alias  Dowathkatyn  (Doocatten), 
13s.  4d. 

Lystenbretenauch,  ahas  Lysnebrannagh,  situated  at 
the  foot  of  Rooska  Hill,  but  now  obsolete,  40s. 

Ballycoure,   alias  Ballemenyth   (Ballinena),   60s, 

Duffaly  (Dooaly)  excepting  the  40  acres  above,  40s. 

Ballyurfin,  alias  Ballyhursynte,  Baleferris,  now  Bally- 
pierce,  4  marks. 

Ballyhathern,  near  same  place,  4  marks. 

Kylordan  (Kilrodane),  (^4. 


Corco'  Oighe, 

Free  Tenants. — Robert  Hackett,  3+  carucates  at 
Glenhom  (Glenquin),  rendering  an  i^.,  with  suit. 

Richard  de  London,  i  quarter  at  Knockbrack. 

Richard  de  Valle,  i  carucate  at  Kilcapley  (obsolete), 
rendering  26s.  8d.,  without  suit. 

Ismaena  Coterel,  i  carucate  at  Anecroygh'  (Ardna- 
crohy),  renders  nothing  but  does  suit. 

The  Lands  of  the  Betagii. — Kilconleithe  (Kil- 
conlea)  and  Knockrathdermot  (the  old  name  of  the 
coimtry  lying  round  ]\Iouiit  Collins,  and  is  still  the  legal 
name  for  Ballybeg,  20s.) 


THE    ANGLO-NORMAN    MANORS    IN    THE    DIOCESE.        163 

Drnmrathnauch  (Drumtrasna),  40s. 

A  parcel  of  land  at  Seskenledan  (Sesken),  ^s. 

Kylmacsnehyn   (obsolete),  £4. 

Dowyll/  known  in  Elizabeth's  time  as  Drumros, 
Dowyll,  the  last  and  oldest  part  disappeared,  and  is  now 
known  as  Dromroe. 

Rathneconyr,  obsolete,  but  was  on  the  mountain 
near  Glenquin  Castle,  20s. 

Ballydaly  (perhaps  Ballydahy),  5  marks. 

Ballygarwyth,  alias  Ballyogarwith  (Ballymorrough), 
40s. 

Gortinore,  obsolete,  6s.  8^. 

Forty  acres  at  Fethbeg  and  Fethmore,  each  of  which 
was  valued  at  8d.  per  year  ;  where  these  townlands  were 
situated  I  do  not  know. 

Such  are  the  principal  divisions  of  the  manor  arranged 
under  the  old  tuaths,  and  in  arranging  them  I  have 
followed  the  Rentyl  of  O'Conaill.  s.    d. 

The  mill  at  Newcastle  was  valued  at      .  .  6     8 

Ardauch  (Ardagh)  ,,  .  .  6     8 

Hand  mills  „  I3     4 

Sergeancy  -  of  O'Bathan  ,,  .  .  20     o 

„  Corkoygh  „  .  .  6     8 

Pannage  ,,  •  -  10     0 

Perquisites  of  court,  as  well  English  as  of  Irish,  and  as 
well  of  Newcastle  as  of  Killyde,  lOOs.,  which  clearly  shows 
the  Irish  living  in  this  manor  and  Killyde  enjoyed  their 
own  laws  side  by  side  with  the  English. 

Perquisites  of  the  court  of  the  hundred  at  Ardagh, 
6s.  8^. 

Prisage  (what  the  lord  claimed,  usually  one-tenth), 
as  well  of  flesh  as  of  ale  of  Newcastle,  2s.  per  year. 

The  cottagers  of  Newcastle  held  i6|-  acres  at  41s. 
per  year. 

iSee  Peyton's  Survev.  ^  A  rent  receiver  {Peyton  Survey), 


164  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

There  are  at  Ballydonly  (obsolete)  30  acres,  which  was 
vakied  at  20s.  per  year. 

At  Kilnehalyn  (Killeehne)  a  parcel  of  land  at  2S- 
per  3^ear.  Tulauchaylin,  4  acres  held  by  Campdin  le 
Tailor,  valued  at  2s.  8d.,  and  parcels  at  Clonkille,  valued 
at  2s.,  ^and  Gortloman  at  i2d.  per  year.  All  these 
townlands  are  in  the  vicinity  of  Newcastle  but  now 
forgotten. 

The  heirs  of  Thomas  de  Clare  held  i  tuath  in  Moy- 
cavenagh  (Mahoonagh),  at  20s.  when  royal  service 
was  proclaimed.  This  would  indicate  that  De  Clare 
held  the  manor  of  Mahoonagh  as  a  fief  from  Fitz- 
maurice. 

The  church  of  Newcastle,  with  the  vicarage,  was 
yearly  worth  lOOs, 

The  church  of  de  Agath  (now  in  ruins  in  the  townland 
of  Appletown),  with  its  chapels,  ;jrio. 

The  church  of  Mahoonagh,  with  vicarage,  10  marks.. 

The  church  of  Mo^mcroo^  (Croagh),  20  marks. 

All  four  the  gift  of  the  fee. 

The  Manor  of  Killyde  {Killeedy). 

This  manor  embraces  the  old  tuath  of  Cleanglass,  the 
ancient  home  of  the  O'Cuilens,  lords  of  Hy  Connail,  the 
last  of  whom  perished  in  1266,  In  this  inquisition  it 
forms  a  part  of  the  Geraldine  estates. 

The  Free  Tenants. — John  Thomond,  half-quarter  at 
Louath  (locally  known  as  Lougig,  and  lay  in  the  eastern 
part  of  Killeedy  parish),  pays  20s.,  and  does  suit. 

Alan  de  Nangle,  i  tuath  in  O'Donwys — a  name  now 
obsolete — rendering  20s.  when  royal  service  was  pro- 
claimed, and  does  suit. 


1  The  patronage  of  this  church  belonged  to  the  Earl  of  Devoa 
(the  successor  of  Desmond  in  this  manor). 


THE   ANGLO-NORMAN   MANORS   IN   THE   DIOCESE.        165 


The  heir  of  John  Hervey  held  half-quarter  at  Agag 
and  Hermyston,  rendering  6s.  8d.,  and  does  suit. 

Lands  of  Betagii  : — 
Levathmore,  alias  Levimore,  now  Hernsbrook 
Kentowyer  (Kantogher),  half-quarter 
Ballidouan  ( Bally duhig)  i  quarter 
Agag  (now  Appletown)  i  quarter 
Ballyowen,  i  parcel 
Balauch  (Ballaugh),  half-quarter 
Kilkenro  (Kilcoora)  parcel 
Gortrichard,  parcel    . . 

Fynglass  (now  included  in  Ballylanigan)  i  quarter 
Gorreveran 
Clonderrawn 

A  parcel  of  orchard  land,  valued  at 
Cottages  near  the  castle 
The  mill,  valued  at 
Serge  ancy 

There  is  a  demesne,  180  acres  of  arable  land,  valued 
at  6d.  per  acre,  6  acres  of  meadow,  at  6d.  per  acre  per 
year,   and  no  pasture. 
Total  of  totals,  /20  15s. 


s. 

d. 

4 

0 

4 

0 

40 

0 

10 

0 

30 

0 

10 

0 

3 

4 

20 

0 

4 

0 

13 

4 

3 

0 

0 

12 

4 

0 

6 

8 

The  Manor  of  Glenogra. 

The  jury  found  that  there  was  in  demesne  in  this 
manor,  300  acres  of  arable  land,  and  valued  each  acre 
at  8^.  per  acre  ;  14  acres  of  meadow  at  ^d.  per  acre  ; 
a  pasture  within  the  demesne  for  oxen  and  cows  ;  another 
at  le  Calgauthe,  the  herbage  of  which  is  valued  at  i6s. 
A  small  grove,  from  which  the  lord  can  obtain  nothing 
except  brambles  and  rods  for  ploughs,  and  value  for 
nothing  ;  a  carucate  of  land  at  Dromnecarry  (Drominy- 
carra)  partly  arable  and  partly  meadow,  together  with 
the  neighbouring  pool,  value  £4  per  year  ;  3  carucates  of 
land  at  le  Crethan  (Crean),  held  by  Betagii,  and  valued 


l66  •  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK.     . 

at  £i2-     The   Betagii   render   for  hand   mills,    14s,   per 
year.     Total,  £2"]  14s.   8^. 

Free  Tenants. — William  of  London  holds  4  caru- 
cates  in  Cahergilmore,  and  pays  los.  when  royal  service 
is  proclaimed,  and  does  suit  at  the  court  of  Glenogra. 

Archibald  Fitztankard,  Philip  Slane,  Thomas  Maunsel, 
and  Nicholas  le  Blund,  hold  i^  carucates  in  Kyldere 
(Kilderry),  for  5s.  when  royal  service  is  proclaimed,  and 
does  suit  at  court,  each  holding  an  equal  portion. 

The  burgesses  of  the  roll  of  Glenogra  hold  6  carucates 
of  land  in  burgages,  and  pay  119s.  per  year.  They  are 
also  obliged  to  do  suit  at  the  court  of  the  Hundred. 

PER  YEAR 

s.     d. 
There  is  a  water  mill,  which  is  valued  at   .  .  .  .   30     o 

A  garden  „  . .  ..50 

Pannage  ,,  . .  ..68 

There  are  six  pools,  the  fishery  of  which  is  worth       7  10 
Turbary  . .  , .  .  .  . .  . .  ..40' 

Perquisites  of  court  Foreign,  with  heriots  . .  ..68 

Perquisites  of  the  court  of  the  Hundred     . .  ,.68 

Sergeancy        . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .    13     4 

Total  of  totals,  i^^j  14     4 

Except  when  royal  service  was  proclaimed,  then  40s. 

is  to  be  paid  to  Agnes  de  Valence,  at  Athleckath  (Athlecca), 

showing  thereby  that  Glenogra  was  a  fief  of  that  manor 

which  belonged  to  the  Kildare  branch  of  the  family. 

Manors  of  Thomas  De  Clare. ^ 
About    two    miles    south-east    of   Newcastle    West, 
on  the  right  bank  of  the  Deel,  and  on  a  gentle  swell  of 

1  See   a   series   of   interesting   essays,    "  Normans     in    Thomond," 
Journal    R.S.A.I.,    vol.    i.,    fifth     serise,    pp.    284,    387,    462.     by     T. 
Westropp,  M.A.     The  references  to  original  documents  are  accurately, 
given. 


THE    AXGLO-NORMAX    MANORS    IN   THE    DIOCESE.         16/ 

the  plain,  stands  the  village  of  Mahoonagh,  popularly 
known   as  Castlemahon. 

At  the  eastern  end  of  the  village  street  are  to  be  seen 
the  ruins  of  the  castle  which  was  the  seat  of  the  manor. 
Though  its  halls  no  longer  ring  with  the  clash  of  arms 
or  resound  with  the  noise  of  feasting  and  revelry,  still 
in  the  distance  it  preserves  the  stately  grandeur  and  bold 
outline  of  bygone  glory. 

At  the  time  the  present  inquisition  was  taken  the 
manor  belonged  to  Thomas  de  Clare,  who  in  his  day 
was  a  remarkable  figure  in  Irish  history. 

He  w^as  son  of  Richard,  Earl  of  Glouster,  and  Governor 
of  London,  where  he  became  a  personal  friend  of  Edward  L 
Thomas  obtained  Hcence  to  settle  in  Ireland  as  early 
as  1269,  but  did  not  carry  out  his  intention  until  Edward 
returned  from  the  Holy  Land. 

1274.  On  his  .arrival  in  Ireland  he  obtained  the 
custody  of  the  castle  and  county  of  Limerick.  Shortly 
after  he  married  Juliana  the  daughter  of  Maurice 
Fitzgerald,  third  baron  of  Offaly.  This  marriage  brought 
him  large  estates  in  County  Limerick,  and  gave  him  a 
high  social  standing  among  the  English  colonists.  He 
succeeded  in  getting  a  grant  of  Bunratty,  in  Clare, 
which  was  formerly  granted  to  Muscegross,  who  sur- 
rendered his  claim  to  it  on  receiving  a  valuable 
consideration  from  De  Clare. 

Just  at  this  time  the  O'Briens  quarrelled  among 
themselves,  and  according  to  the  old  cus:om,  the  weaker 
side  sought  the  aid  of  the  enemy  who  generally  succeeded 
in  seizing  the  inheritance  of  both.  Brien  Roe,  the 
then  King  of  Thomond,  having  been  expelled  from 
his  kingdom  by  his  nephew,  came  to  De  Clare,  Governor 
of  Linierick,  to  aid  him  in  regaining  his  territory.  De 
Clare  immediately  consented,  and  one  night  mustered 
the  English  and  Irish  retainers  under  the  Fitzgeralds, 
Butlers,    himself,   and    O'Brien    at    the    Thomond    gate 


l68  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

of  the  city,  and  marched  into  Clare.  Thus  com- 
menced a  war  which  lasted  many  a  year  with  varied 
success,  and  finally  culminated  in  the  ruin  and  extinction 
of  the  De  Clares  at  the  battle  of  Dysert  O'Dea. 

The  united  army  marched  to  the  palace  of  the  ursurper, 
whom  they  put  to  flight.  Nothing  daunted,  however, 
he  again  returned  and  entered  Tradree,  where  he  en- 
countered De  Clare's  expedition.  After  a  hard-fought 
battle  they  separated,  leaving  the  issue  doubtful,  though 
a  great  number  were  slain  on  both  sides,  among  the 
number  De  Clare's  brother-in-law,  Patrick  Fitzmaurice. 

On  the  evening  of  this  battle  Brian  Roe  was  the  guest 
of  De  Clare  at  Bunratty,  and  while  sharing  his  hospitality 
he  was  treacherousl}^  seized  and  put  to  death  at  the 
instigation  of  JuHana,  De  Clare's  wife.  The  treacherous 
and  cruel  death  that  was  inflicted  on  O'Brien  leaves  a 
deep  stain  on  the  memory  of  De  Clarej 

The  O'Briens  shortly  after  made  peace  among 
themselves.  De  Clare  taking  advantage  of  the  quiet- 
ness of  the  times  passed  into  England  to  look  after 
his  interests  in  that  country.  On  his  return  he  was 
much  enraged  at  the  ravages  that  were  made  in  his 
territory  of  Bunratty  by  the  O'Briens  during  his  absence. 
He  quickly  assembled  his  forces  and  again  marched 
into  Thomond  to  chastise  his  old  enemies  who  were 
prepared  to  meet  him.  Both  armies  met  on  the  old  battle 
ground  on  the  borders  of  Tradree  v>^here  De  Clare  fell  a 
victim  to  the  formidable  battle-axe  of  his  rival,  Thorlough, 
on  the  27th  of  August,  1287.  His  body  was  recovered 
and  buried  in  the  Franciscan  monastery  in  the  city  of 
Limerick. 

The  Government  immediately  held  an  inquisition 
into  his  property,  and  to  this  we  are  indebted  for  the 
very  full  and  interesting  information  that  has  come 
down  to  us  relating  to  Mahoonagh. 


THE   ANGLO-NORMAN    MANORS   IN    THE    DIOCESE.         169 

The  Manor  of  MaJwonagh. 
The  jurors  met  on  the  27th  September,  1287,^  and 
found  that  there  was  in  the  manor  of  Moyavenach 
(Mahoonagh)  150  acres  of  arable  land  in  demesne,  value 
for  8d.  per  acre,  five  acres  they  valued  at  3d.  per  acre, 
a  moor  containing  5  acre  which  they  valued  at  5^.,  a 
wood  containing  2  carucates  of  land  yearly  worth  for 
sale  6s.  8d.,  the  pasture  of  this  wood  is  worth  nothing. 
Total  £6  2s.  id. 

Free  Tenants.— Henry  Capella  held  7  carucates 
of  land  in  Magne  (Meane)  and  Gerbally  (Garbally), 
pays    one    sparrow-hawk  or  4^.  and  does  suit. 

Maurice  de  Lee  i  carucate  at  Cromman  now  obsolete 
but  was  the  name  of  a  district  lying  round  the  old, 
church  of  Aughsh,  pays  one  sparrow  hawk  or  6d.  and 
does  suit. 

The  heirs  of  Maurice  Fitzmaurice  i  carucate  in  Clon- 
more   (Cloonmore),   pays  6s.   8d.   and   does   suit. 

David  Capella,  3  carucates  at  Athmolk  (Ahawilk), 
pays  2s.  and  does  suit. 

John  Fitzjohn,  i  carucate  at  Le  Wath.  This  word 
beginning  with  a  "  w "  but  should  be  an "  r,  "  as 
further  down  Wathbraly  is  evidently  Rathfreeda 
tracing  it  through  the  various  documents.  This  being 
so  Le  Wath  would  now  be  Shanrath  near  the  village 
of  Castle  Mahon.     It  paid  los.  and  the  owner  does  suit. 

The  heir  of  Maurice  Fitzmaurice,  40  acres  at  Gortsta 
(Gortscagh),  pays  los.  and  does  suit.  Walter  Flemyng 
5  carucates  at  Cresdire  alias  Dyrre,  perhaps  Knocka- 
derry,  pays  4s.  6d.  and  does  suit.  Richard  le  Norreys, 
I  carucate  at  Wathbruly  (Rathfreeda),  Adam  le  Cantillon 
5    carucates    m   Ardsynan.       This    name   is   sometimes 

1  See  S.C.D.I. 


lyO;         .  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

written  Ardfynan,  and  was  in  the  parish  of  Clonelty^ 
but  now  forgotten.  It  may  be  included  in  the  town- 
land  of  Ballinoe.  It  pays  20s.  when  royal  service  is 
proclaimed, .  and  Contillon  does  suit   at   court. 

The  Lands  of  Betagii. — This  portion  of  the 
inquisition  is  imperfect,  as  some  of  the  names  of  the 
townlands  are  obliterated. 

There  were  seventeen  Betagii  of  Olechaunys, 
O'Molcorkris  (Corkery),  O'Cassiis  (Casey),  O'Cathsochiis 
and  others,  and  English  rent  payers  who  held  an  carucate 
of  land  in  Kilredyr  (Kilready),  i  carucate  .  .  .  and 
Balidelan,  i  carucate  in  Baliargie,  i  carucate  in  Clon- 
ker3m  and  Moulene  (Cloonsherrick  and  Moanleana),  each 
of  these  carucates  was  valued  at  2  marks  and  their  works 
20S.  a  year.  Pannage  2s.  a  year,  pleas  and  perquisites 
10s.  a  year,  total  of  totals  £15  os.  2d.  In  the  return 
of  the  Betagii  we  have  the  names  of  some  of  the  Irish 
that  held  in  that  tenure.  It  is  interesting  to  find  that 
up  to  a  few  years  ago  a  family  named  Casey  lived  in 
Cloonsherrick,  and  many  of  them  are  still  to  be  found  in 
the  neighbouring  townlands. 


Ayne  (Knockainey)} 

This  manor  formerly;belonged  to  Geoffry  de  Marisco 
but  after  his  lands  were  escheated  it  passed  to  the  king 
who  ordered  that  it  should  form  a  part  of  Queen  Elinor's 
dower  if  she  should  survive  the  king  (1253).  The  next 
year  it  was  granted  to  Godrey  de  Lezignan  who  was  to 
hold  it  from  the  king  by  the  service  of  three  knights. 
He  having  been  informed  that  it  was  intended  for  the 
queen's  dower  at  once  resigned  it  (1262).  Later  on, 
however,    it    was   granted    to    Warrin    de    Bassingburn,. 

1  See  S.C.D.I. 


THE    AXGLO-XORMAX    MANORS    IN    THE    DIOCESE.         I7I 

and  he  gave  it  to  Thomas  de  Clare  in  exchange  for  lands 
in  England.  This  manor  lay  round  the  hill  of  Knockainey, 
and  extended  to  Lough  Gur,  the  details  of  which  are 
outside  the  scope  of  this  work. 

The  Manor  of  Corcomoydc    {Corcomohide). 

This  manor  though  belonging  to  De  Ciare  is  not 
given  among  his  lands  in  this  inquisition.  It  lay  to 
the  east  of  Mahoonagh,  and  as  early  as  1283,  De  Clare 
obtained  patent  for  a  market  to  be  held  there  every 
Thursday. 

Juliana,  the  wife  of  De  Clare,  objected  to  Walter 
de  Haye,  Escheator  of  Ireland,  taking  this  manor  into 
the  king's  custody.  She  went  before  the  justiciary, 
and  stated  that  it  was  her  marriage  portion.  There 
and  then,  an  inquisition  was  taken  in  presence  of  the 
escheator,  with  the  result  that  Juliana  established  her 
claim.  Soon  after  Amabilia,  sister  of  Juliana,  came 
before  the  justices  on  circuit  in  County  Limerick,  and 
sued  Juliana  for  half  the  manor  as  being  her  right  in  as 
much  as  the  manor  belonged  to  their  father,  Maurice, 
now  deceased. 

Amabilia  succeeded  in  recovering  the  moiety,  and 
then  enfeofed  her  cousin,  John  Fitzthomas,  who  held 
it  for  eighteen  months.  Juliana  appealed  to  the  higher 
court,  and  succeeded  in  making  good  her  case  by  pro- 
ducing the  original  charter  which  stated  that  Maurice 
Fitzgerald  granted  to  Thomas  de  Clare  for  his  homage 
and  services  the  manor  of  Corcomoyde.  This  lawsuit 
may  explain  why  it  is  not  included  in  this  inquisition. 

Reyns. 

There  is  mention  made  of  a  manor  of  Reyns,  but  the 
names  of  the  townlands  are  not  given,  and  I  am  unable 
to  say  if  it   were  identical  with  Reens   between  Rath- 


172  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

keale  and  Newcastle.  The  most  remarkable  thing 
mentioned  in  connection  with  it  is,  that  there  were 
three  turbaries  there.  If  it  is  the  same  Reens  as  above, 
the  cutting  away  of  the  turf  would  account  for  the 
low  lying  land  which  is  constantly  flooded  during  the 
winter  by  the  Deel. 

The  Manor  of  Rathgel  {Rathkeale). 

The  earliest  reference  to  the  Manor  of  Rathkeale  is 
to  be  found  in  the  Black  Book.  It  is  there  stated  that 
Robert  Waspayl,i  granted  sometime  between  1212-1228 
the  church  of  Rathkeale  to  the  abbey  of  Keynsham, 
Somersetshire,  as  lord  of  the  soil.  From  this  we  may 
infer  that  Robert  at  the  time  of  the  grant  was  in 
peaceable  possession  of  this  manor.  His  name  occurs 
as  early  as  the  year  1203,  in  the  State  papers  as 
witness  to  documents,  and  seemed  to  be  held  in  great 
esteem  by  his  fellow  colonists.  He  also  had  large 
possessions  in  the  County  Carlow.  At  his  death  he 
was  succeeded  by  his  son,  Henry,  who  died  young 
without  issue,  and  the  property  passed  to  the  next  brother 
Roger. 

1251.  This  is  the  one  who  was  granted  free  warren 
in  his  manor  at  Rathkeale.  There  is  another  document 
in  the  Black  Book  relative  to  an  argeement  between 
him  and  Matthew,  parson  of  Rathenesuer  2  (Rathnaseer), 
in  which  it  is  stated  that  Roger  gave  in  the  district 
of  Escamb  the  townlands  of  Ballycoleman  ^  (near 
Knockaderry)  and  Balleomolothum,  together  with  the 
native  clerics  of  Henaho  in"^exchange^for  the  lands  lying 
between  Rathkeale  and  the  Deel,  together  with  the 
betagii  living  on  them..  From  this  document  we  learn 
that  the  native   clergy  occupied   the  same  humiliating 

B.B.L 


1  B.B.L.,  p.   74. 

2  Ibid.,  p.   105. 

3  See  Peyton's  Survey. 


THE   ANGLO-NORMAN    MANORS    IN    THE    DIOCESE.      1 73 

position   as  the  generality   of  their   coiuitrymen   under 
the  new  rulers. 

1280.  Another  Roger, i  son  of  the  preceding,  granted 
to  John  Matravers,  in  fee,  all  his  rights  in  the  manor 
of  Rathkeale,  a  messuage  and  two  carucates  of  land 
in  Kilcoleman,  and  a  messuage  and  a  carucate  in  Lockyl 
(Loughill)  near  Knockaderry.  By  this  act  the  Waspayls 
severed  their  connection  with  County  Limerick. 

The  Manors  of  Maycroo-  {Croagh). 

Chyunecke  (Kenry)  Ballycathelan  (Ballyculhane  in 
parish  of  Kildimo). 

1296.  Hugh  Purcell  got  a  grant  from  the  crown  of 
free  warren  in  the  above  manors,  and  also  in  his  estates 
in  County  Tipperary  and  Kilkenny.  When  exactly  the 
Purcell  family  obtained  these  manors  in  the  County 
Limerick  there  is  no  record.  But  they  seem  to  be 
settled  there  early  in  this  century,  as  the  name  occurs 
in  inquisitions.  They  alwa3^s  held  a  high  and  honour- 
able position.  In  1274  Hugh  was  sheriff  of  the  county 
and  held  the  castle  in  the  city.  For  discharging  the 
duties  attached  to  this  office  he  received  /lo  from  the 
exchequer. 

1298.  He  passed  into  England  on  the  king's  business, 
and  obtained  power  of  attorney  for  his  son,  William, 
during  his  absence. 

1301.  He  is  mentioned  as  having  received  letters 
from  the  king  to  go  into  Scotland.  There  are  no  town- 
lands  mentioned  as  comprising  these  manors,  but  they 
must  have  embraced  the  country  round  Croagh  Kenry 
and  Ballyculhane.  The  family  flourished  in  this  part 
of  the  country  for  centuries,  and  are  often  mentioned 
as  playing  a  noble  part  in  the  fortunes  of  their  adopted 
country. 

ISee  S.C.n.I. 

2  Ibid,  under  year  1296  and  following  dates. 


174  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

Bruree.^ 

The  references  to  this  historic  spot  are  very  few  in 
Anglo-Norman  documents.  In  1242  it  was  seized  from 
John  de  Marisco  and  his  wife  Mabel,  grandchild  of 
Richard  de  Burgh.  Afterwards  it  was  restored  to  her 
as  it  was  found  to  be  her-  marriage  portion.  In  1289 
it  was  held  under  warrants  of  Maurice  and  Eva  de  Lesse 
(Lacy)  by  Robert  de  Marisco. 

1281.  In  Howardstown  we  find  Esse  (Lacy)  and  his 
wife  paying  Le  Marks  balance  of  rents.  There  is  also 
mention  of  free  tenants  of  the  names  of  Fitzroger  and 
Moyll  residing  there.  A  portion  of  this  townland 
called  Culbalisward,  1284  (now  Cooleen)  was  granted  by 
Alexander  de  Anno  to  John  de  Saunford,  Archbishop  of 
Dubhn,  and  remained  attached  to  that  see  after  the 
Reformation. 

The  Manor  of  Tihcrneyum  {Tohhernea). 

Having  now  taken  a  survey  of  the  new  colony  and 
their  possessions  in  Hy  Conaill,  we  pass  to  Hy  Cairbe, 
the  other  great  division  of  Hy  Fidhgente.  The  earliest 
manor  in  this  division  of  which  the  records  of  this  period 
furnish  us  with  any  details,  is  that  of  Tiberneyum, 
still  giving  its  name  to  a  townland  in  the  parish  of  Effin. 

1207.  King  John  granted  to  Philip  de  Prendergast 
15  knights'  fees  between  Inishannon  and  Kinsale,  which 
were  formed  into  the  manors  of  Carrigiline  and  Duglass. 
Philip  was  succeeded  by  his  son,  Gerard,  who,  at  the  time 
of  his  death  in  1251,  held  in  addition  to  the  above  manors 
those  of  Ballyea  and  Tobbernea. 

Gerard  was  twice  married.  His  first  wife  was  sister 
of  Theobald   Pincera,   who   died  leaving   one   daughter 

1  S.C.D.I.,  year  1242  where  it  is  written  Brunry. 


THE   ANGLO-NORMAN    MANORS    IN    THE    DIOCESE.      I75 

who  was  afterwards  married  to  De  Cogan.  His  second 
wife  was  daughter  of  Richard  de  Burgh,  with  whom 
he  had  received  as  dower  the  manor  of  Tobbernea- 
He  was  in  possession  of  this  dower  before  the  year  1240, 
as  it  is  stated  in  the  Black  Book  that  an  agreement 
was  entered  between  Gerard  and  Hubert,  Bishop  of 
Limerick,  at  Kilmallock  in  1240,  regarding  the  advowson 
of  the  churches  of  Kilbegly,  Kilconegan  (Kilquane),  and 
Effin,  which  incidently  discloses  that  the  manor  was 
at  least  co-extensive  with  the  present  parish  of  Effin 
and  that  the  old  tuath  of  Desibeg  extended  to  the  con- 
fines of  the  County  Cork. 

Gerard  died  in  the  year  125 1,  and  his  heirs  being 
minors,  an  inquisition  was  held  into  his  property,  the 
bulk  of  which  lay  in  Cork  county  and  is  outside  the 
scope  of  this  enquiry. 

In  Limerick  it  was  found  he  possessed  the  manor  of 
Tiberneyum  (Tobbernea),  comprising  7  fees,  7  carucates, 
and  59|-  acres,  which  he  held  of  Richard  de  Burgh  in 
Desibeg,  and  i  carucate  from  the  Bishop  of  Limerick 
at  half  a  mark.  These  lands  were  sub-let  in  the  following 
manner  : — 

Gerald  Fitzmilo,  3  fees  by  the  service  of  half-knight's 
fee. 

Henry  de  Prendergast,  i  fee  by  the  service  of  quarter- 
knight's  fee. 

Henry  Barat,  half-fee  by  the  service  of  quarter- 
knight's  fee. 

In  the  ville  there  were  three  free  tenants  : — 

Richard  Gar,  ^  carucate  at  i  mark  per  year  and  10 
acres  at  3d. 

Thomas  the  chaplin,  i  acre  at  ^d, 

Richard  Kartere,  30  acres  at  5^.  per  acre. 

William  Hantlan,  i^  carucates  at  20s.  per  year. 

John  Goss,  I  carucate  at  i  mark  per  year. 

Konewore  O'Lougan,  i  carucate  at  i  mark  per  year. 


176  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

Richard  Wilde,  half  carucate  and  30  acres  at  47s.  6d, 
per  year. 

Alexander  Baard,   i  carucate  at  20s.  per  year. 

Robert  le  Chance,  i  carucate  at  20s.  per  year. 

John  Lebaut,  half  carucate  at  los.  per  year. 

William  de  la  Hare,  i  carucate  at  30s.  per  year. 

Elias  Cordewaner,  half  carucate  at  40s.  per  year. 

The  Irish  held  3  carucates  for  3  marks  a  year,  and 
Finegole  Jmene  O'Conni  had  10  acres  of  land  without 
rent.  The  natives  here,  as  elsewhere,  were  treated  as 
serfs  by  the  Norman,  though  it  is  pleasant  to  find  that 
some  of  them  occupied  a  more  elevated  position  in  the 
organization  of  this  manor  than  is  usually  allotted  to 
them.  In  the  demesne  there  were  5  carucates  4^  acres 
let  for  220-i-  crannocks  of  wheat,  each  being  valued  at 
40^.  and  220  crannocks  of  oats  at  i8d.  per  crannock. 
There  were  34  acres  in  meadow  for  34s.  a  year,  mills 
3  marks  per  year,  pleas  and  profits  20s.,  curtilages  6s.  8d. 

David  Fitzadam  held  i  fee  for  i  lb.  of  pepper,  ^r's^ 

Total  revenue  in  money,  £17  17s. ;  in  corn,  £48  13s.  2d, 

Gerald  also  held  from  David  Barry  one-half  cantred 
of  corkoyhe — I  presume  in  paper — by  the  service  of 
one  knight's  fee,  and  John  Fitzthomas  held  the  land  of 
Gerard  by  the  same  service  which  was  never  rendered. 

Gerard  left  an  only  daughter  by  his  second  wife^ 
who  was  entrusted  with  her  portion  by  the  king  to 
Maurice  Rochford,  son  of  Guy,  one  of  his  grooms,  to  hold 
until  her  full  age  and  marriage.  She  was  accordingly 
placed  under  Maurice's  care,  and  all  her  dower  passed 
into  his  hands.  In  the  following  year  he  received  a 
grant  for  holding  a  weekly  market  every  Tuesday  in 
his  manor  of  Tobbernea,  and  a  yearly  fair  lasting  for 
six  days  from  August  27th  to  September  3rd.i 


1  See  S.C.D.I.  where  all  that  is  inserted  here  about  Tobbernea  is 
to  be  found  under  the  above  years. 


THE   ANGLO-NORMAN    MANORS    IN    THE    DIOCESE.      177 

1253.  It  would  appear  that  Maurice  married  his 
ward,  Matilda,  the  daughter  of  Gerard,  who  were  dis- 
possessed of  their  inheritance  byDe  Cogan  another  heir, 
while  Matilda  was  under  age  and  in  the  king's  custody. 
The  king  immediately  restored  their  property  which  had 
been  so  violenth^  wrested  from  them.  As  already  stated, 
this  Maurice  de  Rocheford  founded  the  canonry  of  Efftn, 
a  very  meritorious  act  of  generosity  for  a  landed 
proprietor  in  those  days. 

Th2   Manors   of   Croom,^  Athlacca,   Adare,  Castlerohert, 
and  Wirigedi. 

The  Kildare  Geraldines  had  also  large  possessions  in 
the  county,  principally  east  of  the  i\Iaigue  in  the  old 
territory  of  Ui  Cairbre. 

1216.  Maurice  Fitzgerald,  second  baron  of  Offaly, 
obtained  a  grant  of  Crom  (Croom),  which  was  at  one 
time  the  principal  residence,  as  it  is  from  it  they  took 
their  famous  war  cry  "  Crom  Aboo."  He  held  the 
high  and  important  office  of  justiciary.  When  he  was 
removed  from  that  office  he  came  south  and  waged 
an  implacable  war  against  the  Irish,  which  merited 
for  him  from  their  annalists  the  unenviable  title  of 
"  Destroyer  of  the  Gaels."  He  was  also  implicated 
in  the  death  of  Earl  Richard  at  the  Curragh  of 
Kildare,  but  pardoned  by  the  king. 

1251.  A  grant  was  made  to  him  of  free  warren  in 
his  demesne  lands  in  Cairbre,  County  Limerick.  It  is 
stated  by  some  authors  that  towards  the  end  of  his  life 
he  retired  into  the  monastery  of  Youghal,  founded  by 
himself,  and  there  died  in  the  habit  of  St.  Francis  in  the 
year  1257.  The  State  papers  tell  another  tale  which 
is  inconsistent  with  the  popular  version  of  the  closing 

1  The  following  is  taken  from  S.C.D.I.  See  also  Earls  of  h'ildare, 
where  the  facts  are  stated  somewhat  differently. 


178  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

years  of  his  life.  It  would  appear  that  some  years 
before  his  death  he  married  Agnes  de  Valence,  the  king's 
cousin,  and  at  the  time  of  their  marriage  John  de  Verdon 
bestowed  upon  them  the  manors  of  Crometh  (Croom), 
Ailetageth  (Athlacca),  Greene,  and  Wrigedi,  Adare  and 
Castlerobert,  w^hich  John  received  some  years  previously 
from  Maurice.  John  enfeoffed  them  with  the  condition 
that  should  Maurice  die  before  Agnes,  without  issue, 
she  should  enjoy  the  profits  of  them  until  her  death, 
when  they  were  to  revert  to  Maurice's  heirs.  Accordingly 
we  find  her  in  possession  of  these  manors  long  after 
Maurice's  death.  Although  she  afterwards  married 
John  de  Avenys,  she  is  always  mentioned  in  legal  docu- 
ments by  her  maiden  name.  She  was  in  possession  of 
these  manors  in  the  year  1298,  when  they  seem  to  have 
passed  to  Gerald,  grandson  of  Maurice,  who  was  drowned 
while  crossing  into  England.  They  then  passed  into 
the  possession  of  Juliana,  his  sister,  who  was  married 
to  De  Cogan.  She  in  turn  gave  them  to  John  Fitzthomas 
in  exchange  for  the  manor  of  Maynooth. 

Kilmallock. 

Kilmallock,  as  we  have  seen,  was  a  place  of  importance 
in  the  Celtic  period  of  our  history,  and  retained  that 
position  under  the  change  of  rulers,  as  the  name  occurs 
in  some  of  the  earliest  documents  referring  to  the  Anglo- 
Norman  occupation.  The  monastic  property  after  the 
disappearance  of  the  old  monastery  would  seem  to  have 
been  merged  into  the  episcopal  property  of  the  diocese. 
Geoffry  Marisco  was  in  possession  of  the  ville  of  Kil- 
mallock as  tenant  to  the  bishops  ;  he  is  mentioned  as 
paying  homage  for  that  town  to  Hubert  a  short  time 
after  he  became  bishop. 

In  1265  David  de  Barry  of  Buttevent  quit  claimed 
and    surrendered   whatever   rights   he   had   in   the   fair 


THE  ANGLO-NORMAN   MANORS   IN   THE    DIOCESE.      I79 

held  in  Kilmallock  to  Robert    of  Emly,  bishop  of  the 
diocese   and   his   successors.     In   the  Black   Book  there 
are   a  ver}^  important   set   of  deeds  conferring  certain 
rents   in   the   town   of   Kilmallock   on   the    bishop   and 
chapter.     Unfortunately  they  are  undated,  but  judging 
from   the   similarity   of  names   in   them,    and   in   other 
documents  in  the  same  book,  they  may  be  referred  to 
the    closing    years    of    the    thirteenth    century.     They 
incidentally  disclose  the  names  of  the  principal  streets, 
roads  leading  from  them  to  the  country,  as  well  as  the 
names  of  the  citizens,  giving  a  vivid  glimpse  of  the  old 
town   in  its  primitive   simplicity. 

The  first  of  these  documents  refer  to  a  grant  made 
by  John  Young  of  5  marcs,  4s.  d^d.,  the  rent  of  certain 
houses  and  lands  which  were  situated  inside  and  outside 
the  town,  viz.  : — 

5.   d. 
One  burgage  of  land  in  possession  of  John  Hert 
which  extends  in  length  from  Mona  Mor  on  the 
south,  to  the  great  water  (niagnam  aquam)  on 
the  north,  in  breadth   from  the  land  of  Henry 
Baird  on  the  east,  to  the  land  of   Robert   Fitz- 
hugh  on  the  west  . .  . .  ..76 

The  tenement  of  Walter  Dug  in  the  Main  Street 
[magna  vice),  between  that  of  John  Fitzrodi  and 
and  Letitie  Seler    . .  . .  . .  . .       — 

The  tenement  of  Nicholas  Stopphil  in  the  Main 
Street         . .  . .  . .  . .  . .       — 

The  tenement  of  Hugh  Serston  in  Main  Street     . .     0  20' 
The  tenement  of  Adam  Flandr  in  the  Main  Street, 
between   the   road    (viam)    which   leads   to   the 
Church  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  and  the  tenement 
of  William  Pellipar  . .  . .  ..50 

The  tenement  of  John  Eoco  in  the  Main  Street  . .      20 
William  Clonterel,  land  in  Main  Street  . .  ..02 

The   tenements   of   James   Somerford   and   Adam 

Sewchil      c ,  . .  . .  . .  . .     o    8A. 


l80  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

The    tenement    of  William  White    in  Blapatstret     s.     d. 
(Blossom  Street)      . .  . ,  . .  ..05 

The  tenement  of  John  Neyl  in  Blapatstret  (Blossom 

Street)       . .  . .  . .  . .  ..06 

The  tenement  of  Robert  Neyl  in  Blapatstret     . .     06 
Another  belonging  to  Robert  in  Blapatstret         . .     06 
The    tenement    of    Thomas    Mey    in    Blapatstret, 
between  the  town  foss  (fossa)  and  the  tenement 
of  Robert  Wandreg  ..  ..  ..on 

The  tenement  of  John  le  Grey  in  Blapatstret     . .     o  10 
The  tenement  of  David  Fitzwilliam          . .  . .  o  10 

The  tenement  of  Walens  in  Blapatstret  . .  . .     o  26 

The  tenement  of  William  de  Holde         . .  ..06 

The  tenement  of  Henry  Totomy  in  the  Main  Street, 
between  the  stone  houses  {domos  lapides)  of  Rodi 
de  Kilkenny  . .  . .  . .  ..02 

3  acres  of  land  belonging  John  Neyl       . .  ..01 

5  acres  which  the  said    John  Neyl    bought  from 
Henry  Fitzjordan  in  length  from  the  land  of 
the  vicr  in  the  west,  in  breadth  from  the  land  of 
Rodi  Kilkenny,  in  the  south  to  the  king's  high- 
way {viam  regalem)  which  runs  opposite  woods  on 
the  north  . .  . .  . .  ,.  ..08 

The  tenement  of  William  Canterel,  Main  Street  . .      20 
The  tenement  of  John  Arnold,  Main  Street  . .     o  40 

The  tenement  of  Henry  le  Tannr,  Main  Street     . .     30 
The  tenement  of  Henry  de  Lorn'y,  Main  Street  . .     o    10 
The  tenement  of  Henry  Bluet,  Main  Street         . .      20 
The  tenement  of  William  Fitzhenry,  Main  Street     0  11 
The  tenement  of  John  Bluet,  senior.  Main  Street     o  12 
The  tenement  of  John  Fitzalan,  Main  Street       . .     06 
The  tenement  of  John  Neyl,  Main  Street  . .     o  16 

The  tenement  of  Walter  Kilfrys,  Main  Street     . .     02 
The  tenement  of  John  Fitzhenry  Fitzjordan,  Main 

Street        . .  . .  . .  . .  . .     0  20 

The  tenement  of  John  le  Kene,  Main  Street  . .  o  25 
The  tenement  of  John  Bluet,  junior,  Main  Street  o  14 
The  tenement  of  Henry  Baiard,  Main  Street         . .     0  21 


THE   ANGLO-NORMAN    MANORS    IN    THE    DIOCESE.      l8l 

S.    d. 
The  tenement  of  Elie  le  Machim,  Main  Street       . .     012 
The  tenement  of  Richard  le  Hachim,  Main  Street     o  12 
The  tenement  of  John  Baiard,  Main  Street  . .     0  22 

The  tenement  of  Peter  Pichard,  Main  Street         . .     012 
The  tenement  of  Adam  Husse,  Main  Street,          . .     o  20 
The  tenement  of  John  Laudans,  senior,  Main  Street     0     8 
3  acres  of  land  belonging  to  Henry  Baiard  called 
Gobli,  in  length  from     ...     in  the  west  to  the 
king's  highway  in  the  east  . .  . .  . .       — 

The  land  of  Walter  de  Any  in  length  from  the  royal 

road  on  the  south,  to  the  great  water  on  the  north     o  22 
One  burgage  of  Gerald,  son  of  Henry  de  Prendergast, 
in  breadth  from  Botherbralmekeyn  in  the  east  to 
some  lands  in  the  west  ...  . .  ..30 

The  tenement  of  William   Fedem    in  Flemystret, 
opposite  the  cross  of  John  Fitzrichard,  between 
the  king's  highway  and  another  way. .  ..012 

Half   a   burgage     belonging   to   Jordan   Fitzjohn, 
extending  in    length   from   the   king's   highway 
leading  to  Emly  on  the  south,  to  Martyn's  lake 
on  the  north,  and  in   breadth  from  the  land  of 
Martin  Bluet  in  the   east   to  that  of  William  le 
Long  in  the  west   . .  . .  . .  . .     0  10 

One   burgage   belonging   to   Thomas   le   Wrey   in 
length  from  Hokytlack  on  the  south  to  Martynys- 
lake  . .  . .  . .  . .  ..017 

One  burgage  belonging  to  Agnes  and  William  Benet, 
in  length  from  Fontislac  on.  the  south,  to  the 
road  which  leads  to  Artmachyllen  on  the  north     o  34 
Tenement  in  Flemystret  (Fleming  Street)  . .     02 

Tenement  in  Water  Street        . .  . .  . .     o  20 

Tenement  in  Blapatstret  (Blossom  Street)  . .     04 

One  burgage  belonging  to  Adam  Fitzjohn  . .     o  16 

One  burgage  belonging  to  John  le  Grey  . .     08 

Amongst  the  Witnesses  to  this  chart  is  that  of 
Nicholas  Stoppil,  Provost  of  the  town. 

The   next    document   sets    out    the   grant   made   by 


l82  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

Philip  Fitzjohn  Fitzthomas  to  the  bishop  and  chapter 
of  14  shilhngs  the  annual  rent  of  certain  tenements  in 
the  town,  viz.  : — 

One  burgage  of  land  called  Folisland  held  by  Adam     s.     d. 
Fitzjohn     . .  . .  . .  . .  ..68 

The  tenement  of  Sandyr  le  Harper  in  Water  Street     0  20 
The  tenement  of  Thomas  Smith  in  Water  Street, 
between  the  road  which  leads  to  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul   Church   and  the   tenement   of   Sandyr  le 
Harper      . .  . .  . .  . .  . .     o  26 

The  tenement  of  William  le  Long  in  Flemyng  Street     2     0 
The  tenement  of  Philip  of  the  Mills         . .  . .     012 

The  tenement  of  William  Mareschall  in  Flemyng 

Street         ..  ..  ..  ..  ..06 

The  following  deed  gives  an  account  of  the  grant 
made  by  William  Ruffus  to  the  bishop  and  chapter  of 
9s.  Z^d.,  being  the  rent  of  certain  property  in  Kilmallock, 
viz-  :—  s.     d. 

The  tenement  of  John  Marche  in  Main  Street     . .      20 
A  burgage  held  by  Henry  Baiard,  in  length  from 
the  king's  highway  which  leads  to  Hakenys  on 
the  south,  to  the  great  water  of  the  new  mill  on 
the  north,  and  in  breadth  from  the  road  which 
leads  to  the  new  mill  on  the  east,  to  the  land  of 
Thomas  Stope  on  the  west  . .  . .  ..20 

Half  a  burgage  held  by  Symon  Fitzjohn  in  length 
from  the  royal  road  which  leads  to  Arroldishyl 
on  the  south,  to  Martynislac  on  the  north         . .     0  23I 
The  tenement  of  Thomas  Smith  in  Water  Street  . .     o  20 
Tenement  of  Adam  Elys  in  Water  Street  . .     07 

Half  a  burgage  held  by  Adam  White,  in  length 
from  Hokedlak  on  the  south,  to  Martynslac  on 
the  north  . .  . .  . .  ...  ..013 

The  grant  of  4,9.  being  an  annual  rent  from  property 
in  Kilmahock  made  by  Thomas  Stoke  to  the 
bishop  and  chapter,  viz.  : — 


THE   ANGLO-NORMAN    MANORS    IN    THE    DIOCESE.      183 

One  tenement  in  St.  John's  Street  held  by  Henry     s.    d. 

Husse        . .  . .  . .  . .  ..40 

A   grant   to   the   Bishop   and   Chapter   by  Adam 

Fitzjohn  Fitzgeoffery  of  20  pence  silver  being 

the  annual  rent  of  the  following  :^ 
The  tenement  of  Reginald©  Pellipor  in  Blapastreit     o  18 
The  tenement  of  Maurice  Tesler  in  Blapastreit    . .     02 

It  may  be  remarked  that  this  grant  was  made  in  a 
different  year  from  the  others,  as  it  is  witnessed  by  a 
new  provost,  Alexander  Elys. 

The  Manor  of  Anodes'^  (Athneasy). 

I  have  not  been  able  to  find  any  document  referring 
to  this  manor  earlier  than  the  fifteenth  year  of  Edward  III 
(1442),  though  it  must  have  been  amongst  one  of  the 
first  settlements  of  the  Norman  in  the  east  of  the  county, 
as  it  lay  near  the  highway  between  Waterford  and  the 
city  of  Limerick. 

From  a  deed  of  partition  of  the  property  of  Sir  John 
Moulton  of  Egsimound,  we  learn  that  he  held  the  manors 
of  Narloe  (Aherlow),  Anedes  (Athneasy),  Secdown, 
and  Kylker  in  Ireland.  After  his  death  these  manors 
were  equally  divided  between  his  three  sisters,  namely, 
Lady  loan  Fitzwalter,  eldest  sister  and  one  of  the 
heiresses  of  Sir  John,  Sir  Walter  Bermingham  and 
Elizabeth  his  wife,  another  sister  and  heiress,  Sir  John 
de  Lucy  and  Margaret  his  wife,  third  sister  and  heiress. 

The  third  part  of  the  manor  of  Athneasy  that  was 
assigned  to  Walter  de  Bermingham  and  his  wife  com- 
prised the  following  places  :  A  messuage  in  Dunmowny 
wherein  Henry  Bratnoch  (Walsh)  dwells,  together  with 
the  moiety  of  Dunmowny  ;  28  acres  of  arable  land  in 
the  field  called  Upper  Coryn  as  appears  by  the  metes 
(boundaries) ;  4  acres  near  the  said  moiety  of  Dunmowny  ; 

1  Register  of  Gormanstown,  p.  iii,  in  the  Press. 


184  DIOCESE   OF    LIMERICK. 

5i-  acres  in  the  field  called  the  Halffesollond  near  the 
king's  highway  there,  on  the  north  side  of  said  highway 
as  appears  by  the  metes  ;  i  acre  and  i  stang  in  the  lower 
part  of  said  field  next  Bothirhagard  ;  16  acres  in  the 
field  called  Sanevalle  near  Distcoryn  as  appears  by  the 
metes ;  also  12  acres  between  the  said  Sanevalle  and 
the  king's  way,  there  called  the  Vode  Vey,  on  the  south 
side  of  said  highway  ;  3  acres  of  escheated  land  which 
belonged  to  Thomas  Hamond  in  Hamondestown  on 
the  west  side  of  said  field  there  ;  3  acres  of  Vuolff ages- 
town,  on  the  south  side  of  said  field  there  ;  3  acres  of 
Vuolffagestown  and  i  acre  of  the  demesnes  of  Anedes 
there,  near  the  dyche  and  the  sketch  on  the  north  side 
of  the  said  mete  of  Wolffagestown  as  appears  by  the 
metes  ;  8  acres  and  i  stang  in  Cnokanglasnear  Rathynot, 
and  the  pasture  of  Knockanglowyn  on  the  east  side 
of  said  bog  there,  as  appears  by  the  metes  ;  7  acres  3  stangs 
(quarters)  in  the  field  called  the  "  twenty  acres  "  on  the 
west  side  of  said  field,  and  on  the  south  side  of  the  king's 
highway  of  Ymlac  (Emly)  there,  near  an  acre  which  is 
now  waste  ;  i|  acres  of  meadow  and  several  pasture 
in  Marlyngadynganestoun  and  Mayowestown  as  appears 
by  the  medes  ;  12  acres  and  3  stangs  in  the  field  called 
the  Gyhynys  which  commence  from  the  great  meadow 
there,  and  extend  to  Molanys  and  the  Moche  Choryde 
near  the  metes  of  Hamonstown. 

There  was  also  assigned  to  said  Walter  and  Elizabeth, 
4  acres  of  meadow  in  the  great  meadow  in  the  south  side 
thereof,   near   Hamoundestown. 

Betaghs. — There  is  also  assigned  to  Walter  and 
Elizabeth  in  their  purparty,  of  their  quarters  of  land  in 
Fynestown,  with  these  betaghs  Philip  Offyin  (Finn), 
Alicia  O'Golan  with  all  their  following,  with  all  the 
moors,  meadows,  feedings,  pastures,  hedges,  and  ditches, 
to  said  quarters,  there  is  also  assigned  to  them  a  messuage 
24      acres     and    3    stangs     of    land     in     the     ville  of 


THE   ANGLO-NORMAN    MANORS    IN   THE    DIOCESE.      1 85 

Deyerston,   held    as   tenants   b}^   Matilda    Wydhyr    and 
John  Wydhyr. 

Free  Tenants. — There  is  also  assigned  to  Walter  and 
Elizabeth  these  free  tenants,  Gregory  le  Flemyng  who 
held  2  carucates  in  Ballygorman  ;  Alexander  Cadigan 
with  his  tenants  who  holds  i  carucate  in  Durontestown 
and  half  a  carucate  in  Dunmowny,  Thomas  Dullard 
who  holds  i^  carucates  in  Scalystown  ;  Nicholas  le  Rede, 
I  carucate  in  Ballyfyn  ;  William  Bagod  and  Ysmay 
la  Wytte  (White)  half  carucate  in  Corbaly-daly  and 
I  quarter  in  Vuolfagestown. 

Peter  Alayn,  6  acres  in  Dunmowny. 

The  tenants  of  Wolfagestown,  viz.  :  John  de 
Justenlys,  Henry  Bratuagh,  Roger  Hamound,  and  WiUiam 
Wolfog  who  hold  onequarter  of  land  in  same  ville,  Nicholas, 
son  of  Michael  Mayow  of  Anedes,  who  holds  one  quarter 
in  Anedes  ;  Thomas  and  Bartholomew  Cadigan  who  hold 
I  carucate  of  land  of  Martyncadyganestown  ;  William, 
son  of  Maurice  Vyttot,  who  holds  half  a  carucate  of 
land  in  the  Rath  with  all  its  tenements  there. 

Philip  Browne  half-quarter  in  Adamstown  ;  Maurice, 
son  of  Wihiam  Cadigan,  i  quarter  in  same  ville. 

Philip  Flemyng,  i  carucate  in  Steuenstown  ;  Thomas 
Ferman,  i  quarter  in  Ballygorman,  with  their  homages, 
scutages,  woods,  marriages,  reliefs,  escheats,  suits,  rent, 
and  other  services  whatsoever. 

Cottages.— That  are  also  assigned  to  Sir  Walter  and 
Elizabeth  these  tenants  of  Anedes  with  their  collages 
and  messuages,  viz.  :  Jehana  O'Rawcan,  William  Cloun, 
Henry  Kytte,  John  O'Hanekyn,  Richard  Brynagh, 
Henry  O'Mallo,  Katerine  Vittecot,  Stephen  Berkys,  and 
William  Noly,  junior,  with  all  their  rents,  services,  and 
customs  in  the  same  town  of  Ahedes  (Athnessy).  To- 
wards the  close  of  this  century  this  part  of  the  manor 
passed  out  of  the  Bermingham  family  again. 


I  86  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

The  Manor  of  Esclon  or  Eschlnana. 

This  manor  is  first  mentioned  in  connection  with  a 
grant  of  land  called  Lesnanermadda,  two  carucates, 
and  the  small  townland  of  Clelcomgi,  made  by  William 
ds  Burgh,  lord  of  the  soil,  to  Donat  or  Donagh,  bishop 
of  the  diocese.  The  deed  conveying  this  donation  is 
undated,  but  must  have  been  sometime  between  1200, 
as  that  was  the  year  Donat  is  supposed  to  have  become 
Bishop  of  Limerick,  and  1204  as  that  was  the  year 
William  died. 

There  is  a  place  name  called  Lisdermode  mentioned 
in  the  boundaries  of  the  city,  and  located  between  Tirvoe 
east  and  Tirvoe  west.  The  similarity  between  itself 
and  Lesnanermadda  is  very  striking,  and  judging  from 
the  succession  of  forms  that  the  names  of  townlands 
have  assumed,  as  has  been  already  pointed  out,  it  would 
seem  that  these  are  only  different  forms  of  the  same 
word.  The  next  reference  to  it  occurs  in  the  year  1243, 
when  the  sheriff  of  Munster  valued  the  manors  of  Richard 
son  of  William  de  Burgh,  Esclon  was  found  to  be  worth 
£37  IIS.  61^.,  and  that  of  Castle  Conign  (Connell) 
£57  los.  /\hd.,  though  no  particulars  are  given  that 
would  help  one  to  form  an  idea  of  their  extent. 

Walter  de  Burgh,  son  of  Richard,  married  Emelina, 
daughter  of  Hugh  de  Lacy,  Earl  of  Ulster,  and  through 
this  alliance  succeeded  in  obtaining  the  title  of  her 
father. 

In  the  year  1280,  the  king  issued  a  command  to  the 
Bishop  of  Waterford,  lieutenant  to  the  justiciary,  that 
Richard,  son  and  heir  to  Walter,  formerly  Earl  of  Ulster, 
should  get  possession  of  the  castle,  lands,  and  tenements 
of  Esclone,  formerly  held  by  Emelina,  Countess  of 
Ulster,  which  after  her  death  passed  into  the  king's 
hands  by  reason  of  Richard's  custody. 


THE   ANGLO-NORMAN   MANORS   IN   THE   DIOCESE.     187 

Clarani  (Clarina),  Esclon,  and  Newtown  are  metioned 
in  the  Ripe  Rolls  of  the  year  1283,  and  we  find  one  of 
the  tenants,  John  Serle,  paying  £4  for  "  visne  released  " 
in  the  year  1286. 

1290.  Richard  de  Burgh  received  certain  lands  in 
the  east  of  the  county  from  Sir  Otho  Grandison,  on 
condition  that  he  would  pay  a  certain  rent  annually 
for  them,  and  in  case  he  failed  to  comply  with  the  terms 
of  the  agreement,  Sir  Otho  was  at  liberty  to  seize  the 
manor  of  Esclon  and  other  lands  which  Richard  gave 
as  security.  In  the  beginning  of  the  next  century  the 
name  is  used  as  attached  to  the  principal  church  of  the 
district  which  appears  to  have  been  supplanted  by 
Kilkeedy  after  the  year  1418,  as  both  names  were  applied 
to  the  same  church  in  that  year.  In  the  beginning  of 
the  fifteenth  century,  when  O'Brien  crossed  the  Shannon 
and  seized  the  territory,  it  received  the  name  of  Bubble 
Brien,  which  it  still  retains. 

There  are  other  portions  of  the  country  part  of  the 
diocese  that  are  not  given  in  these  manors.  Most  of 
such  lands  were  included  in  the  bishop's  manors,  and 
in  the  property  of  the  religious  houses,  and  which  will 
be  given  later  on. 


Ifourteentb   Century; 

CHAPTER  XI. 

THE    ECCLESIASTICAL    AFFAIRS    OF    THE    DIOCESE. 

Robert  Dundonald  (1302-1311). 

In  1302,  Maurice  Fitzmaurice  1  and  Arnold  de  Brudens, 
canons  of  the  cathedral,  were  despatched  to  England 
by  the  dean  and  chapter,  to  inform  the  king  of  Gerald's 
death,   and  to  obtain  licence  to  elect  a  successor. 

When  the  necessary  letters  of  permission  arrived, 
Luke  the  dean,  and  chapter,  selected  Robert  Dundonald, 
a  member  of  their  own  body,  as  "  a  man,  devout,  fit  to 
rule  their  church,  useful  to  the  king  and  to  Ireland,  and 
in  their  judgment,  faithful  as  Bishop  of  Limerick." 

There  is  only  one  document  in  the  Black  Book,  and 
that  of  little  importance,  relating  to  his  incumbency. 
But  there  are  extant,  two  returns  of  a  tax,  that  was 
levied  off  the  diocese,  in  the  years  1302  2  and  1306,  which 
give  a  very  full  list  of  the  churches  and  their  value. 

In  1 188,  a  general  law  was  made  by  the  kings  of 
France  and  England,  in  their  respective  kingdoms, 
imposing  a  tax  on  their  subjects  of  one-tenth  of  their 
movables  and  annual  income,  for  the  reUef  of  the  Holy 
Land.  As  years  went  by  this  impost  was  limited  to  the 
clergy. 

There  is  mention  in  a  general  way  of  such  a  tax 
being  imposed  on  the  Irish  clergy,  early  in  the  previous 
century,    and   is   occasionally   referred   to   in   the    State 

1  See  CD./. 

2  See   Introduction,  pp.    x.-xiii.,   Reeves   Ecc.   Autiqitities  of  Down, 
where  the  reason  for  fixing  these  dates  is  given. 


ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  189 

papers  of  that  period.  But  until  the  year  1302,  there 
is  no  specific  reference  to  its  details. 

In  this  return,  the  rent  and  revenue  of  the  bishop 
are  given  as  a  certain  sum,  without  any  reference  to  the 
source  from  which  they  are  derived.  The  same  may  be 
said  regarding  the  income  of  the  members  of  the  chapter, 
as  we  know  from  documents  already  quoted,  that  they 
had  many  churches  which  are  not  mentioned  here,  but 
whose  value  is  included  under  the  general  heading, 
rent  and  revenue,  in  a  bulk  sum.  This  explains  why 
there  is  a  greater  number  of  churches  in  the  return 
of  1306,  than  in  that  of  1302. 

From  these  lists  we  learn  that  the  diocese  was  divided 
into  deaneries,  an  arrangement  which  must  have  taken 
place  early  in  the  previous  century,  though  there  is  no 
record  of  the  event. 

In  giving  these  hsts,  the  modern  names  of  the  churches 
will  be  given  in  brackets,  and  it  may  be  observed,  that  the 
old  spelhng  is  very  corrupt,"  as  the  names  were  evidently 
written  down  by  one  imperfectly  acquainted  with  the 
Irish  language. 

The  Taxation  of  the  Diocese  of  Limerick  ^  in  1302. 

£      s.  d.  £     s.     d. 

Rent  and  revenue  of  the  bishop,  value.  tenth. 

in  all  things                            . .  163     3  ii|^  16     6     4J 
Tax  of  the  prebendal    churches 

with  vicarages                        , .  —  — 

Dean,  rent  and  revenue          . ,  34     2     8  383 

Vicarage  of  Brunrry   (Bruree)  568  o   10     8 

Vicarge  of  Mungaria  (Mungretj  100  — 

Vicarage  of  Kylmaclou  (Cappa)  068  — 
Precentor's  churches,  in  all 

things                                      . .  14  16     7i  I  10     yl 

1  See  S.C.D.I.,  1302. 


IQO  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 


Vicarage  Kylf  ychny(Kilfinny) 
Vicarage  of  Sengel  (Singland)    . . 
Chancellor's  churches 
Vicarage  of  Clonhener  (Clonshire) 
Vicarage  of   Kylscanyl   (Kils- 

cannell) 
Vicarage  of  Clonach  (Clonagh) 
Taxation  of  the  Treasuryship  in 

all  things 
Imlathdreyny  (Emlygrennan)^. . 
Taxation  of  the  churches  of  the 
Archdeaconry  in  all  things     . . 
Kydyme  (Kildimo) 
Tulachbrek  (Tullabracky) 
Croch  (Croagh) 

Vicarage  of  the  same  prebend   . . 
Effyng  (Effin) 

Vicarage  of  the  sameprebend   . . 
KyllydJ(Killeedy) 
Prebend  of  Kylmonyn  in  all 

things  (St.  Munchin's)  ..         6  13     5  o  13     4 

Vicarage  of  the  same  and  portion 

of  Kilrus  (Kilrush)  . .         166  — 

Vicarage  de  Kilkoan  (Kilquane)         i     i     6i  — 

Prebend  de  Arctacny  (Ardcanny)      520  0  10     2^ 

Prebend  of  Ballycathan  (Bally- 

cahane)  . .         368  068 

Donenachmor  (Donaghmore)        \ 

Kyleyl  (Killeely)  >     5     6     8  0     10  8 

Portion  of  Ardpatnck  (Ard-      (      -^ 

Patrick)  . .  ) 

Church  of  Diserto(Dysert)        .=.         2  13     4  054 

Portion  of  Kylbecan  (Kilpeacon)  \ 
Portion  of  Kylcomyn  (Kilquane  Vqi68  O"       8 

in  Efhn)  '  •  i  ^ 

Portion  of  Kyllynt  (Kilfintanan)  * 
Taxation   of   the   churches   be- 
longing to  the  Communia      ..       35     2     2  3  10     2  J 


£     s. 

d. 

£     s. 

d. 

I  0 

0 

— 

1  15 

61 

0  3 

6i 

27  8 

0 

2  14 

9h 

0  II 

n 

no  tenth 

of 

im.  i 
4  ^ 

these 

0  13 

24  0 

0 

2  8 

0 

2  0 

0 

0  4 

0 

28  II 

6 

2  17 

i| 

3  6 

8 

0  6 

8 

7  14 

4 

0  15 

5 

6  0 

2* 

0  12 

oi 

3  0 

0 

0  6 

0 

4  13 

4 

0  9 

4 

2  13 

4 

5  4 

0 

3  6 

8 

0  6 

8 

ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS  OF    THE    DIOCESE.  IQI 

Taxation  of  the  religious  houses  in  the  diocese,  to  wit  : — 

Of  the  houses  of  Magio  (Manis-  £     s.     d.  £     s.     d. 

teranenagh)  ..  60  14     4  606 

St.   Catherine  in  O'Conyl   (near 

Shanagolden)  ..          204  o     4     i| 

St.  Maryof  Rathgel  (Rathkeale)  200  040 

St.  James  of  Adare  (Trinitarian 

house)  ..          200  040 

St.   Mary  of  Limerick,  nothing 

because  poor  . .  —  — 


Deanery  of  Limerick. 


Church  of  St.  John  of  Limerick 

I 

0     0 

— 

Church  of  Fedemere  (Fedamore) 

4 

0     0 

0 

8 

0 

Vicarage  of  same 

2 

0     0 

0 

4 

0 

Ballyoweyn  (Kilcaskin) 

2 

0     0 

0 

4 

0 

Vicarage  of  same 

2 

0     0 

0 

4 

0 

Church  of  Cretouch  (Crecora)  for 

vicars  portion 

I 

6     8 

— 

Kylmthurrok  (Kilmurry), 

4w. 

10 

0 

5 

5 

Vicarage  of  the  same,      . .      . . 

2m. 

4    5 

0 

3 

li 

Church  of  Escluen  (Kilkeedy)  . . 

8;;z. 

0 

10 

8 

Vicarage  of  the  same 

^m. 

0 

5 

4 

Deriganan  (Derrygalvin) 

im. 

— 

Deanery  of  Killocia  (Kilmallock). 


Church  of  Kylmahallok  (Kil- 
mallock) 

Vicarage  of  same 

Vicarage  of  Kylcowan  (Kil- 
quane) 

Church  of  Glynogre  (Glenogra) 

Vicarage  of  same 

Kylbryd  Minor  (Kilbreedy) 

Vicarage  of  same 


2 

oin. 

2m. 

10m. 

im. 

I 

I 

6i- 

— 

;o 

0 

0 

I 

0     0 

5 

0 

0 

0 

10    0 

2 

0 

0 

0 

4    0 

I 

0 

0 

— 

192 


DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK 


Church    of    Dromyn    Claryn 

i 

s.      d. 

£    s. 

d. 

(Dromin),  in  its  entirety 

20 

0      0 

2    0 

0 

Church   of    Ballygady    (BalHn. 

gaddy) 

10 

0      0 

I    0 

0 

Vicarage  of  same 

2 

0      0 

0    4 

0 

Church  of  Evergarr  (Uregare)  . . 

12 

13    4 

I     5 

4 

Vicarage  of  same 

4 

0      0 

0    8 

0 

Chapel  of  Uirgedi  annexed   to 

the  same 

7;n. 

0    9 

4 

Church  of  Anedes  ( Athneasy)    . . 

i2;n. 

0  16 

0 

Vicarage  of  same 

6m. 

0     8 

0 

Kylbrid  Major  (Kilbreedy) 

5m. 

0    6 

8 

Vicarage  of  same 

5m. 

0     6 

8 

Church  of  Ardpatrick 

4i;«. 

0    6 

0 

Vicarage  of  same 

5M. 

0    6 

8 

Church  of  Kylf  yuan  (Kilfinnane) 

8  m. 

0  10 

8 

Deruly  (Darragh) 

6m. 

0     8 

0 

Vicarage  of  the  same 

3m. 

0     4 

0 

Martin's  chapel  ( Ardkilmartin) 

6m. 

0     8 

0 

Bally  tankard  (Tankardstown) . . 

6m. 

0     8 

0 

Vicarage  of  the  same 

3m. 

0     4 

0 

Church  of  Cloncorth  (Colman's 

Well) 

I 

0      0 

— 

Church  of  Kyllyne  (Kilflyn)       . . 

I 

0    4 

— 

Aylethach  (Athlacca) 

28m. 

I  17 

4 

The  Deanery  of  Ardagh, 


The  church  of  New  Grange 

taxed  at 
Rathcathel    (Rathcahill) 
Kyllaylachan  (Killilagh) 
Newcastle  (Newcastle  West) 
Chapel  Maurice  (Rathronan) 
Vicarage  of  same 
Kyllalechan  (Killagholehan) 


9m. 

0  12 

0 

5m. 

0    6 

8 

10      0 

— 

^m. 

0     5 

4 

2m.  0    5| 

im.  2     2j 

4m. 

0     5 

4 

ECCLESIASTICAL    AFFAIRS    OF   THE    DIOCESE. 


193 


The  Deanery  of  Garthe  {Ballingarry). 


i    s.     d. 

£ 

s. 

d. 

The  church  of  Clonyle  (Clonelty) 

6m. 

0 

8 

0 

The    church    of    Garth    with 

chapels 

2ghn 

I 

19 

4 

Vicarage  of  same, 

10m.  3     4 

0 

13 

8 

Moycavenach  (Mahoonagh)      . . 

4W. 

0 

5 

4 

Vicarage  of  same 

2;n. 

0 

0 

3 

Deanery  of  Rathkeale. 

Ynyskefty  (Askeaton) 

1 6  m. 

I 

I 

4 

Vicarage  of  same 

8w. 

0 

10 

8 

Dunmolyan  (Dunmoylan) 

2m.  8  loh 

0 

3 

6 

Vicarage  of  same 

im.  4     5i- 

0 

3 

4 

Kylbraderan  (Kilbradran) 

2m. 

0 

2 

8 

Vicarage  of  same 

im. 

— 

Chapel  of  Robert  Guer  (Roberts- 

town) 

2m. 

0 

2 

8 

Vicarage  of  same 

im. 

— 

Church  of  the  Castle  of  Robert 

de  Dundonenyld  for  the  rec- 

tor and  vicar  (Doondonnell) 

100 

— 

Kycolman  inferior  (Kilcoleman 

West) 

100 

0 

2 

0 

Vicarage  of  the  same 

0  10     0 

— 

Church    of    Kylsmattyre    (Lis- 

makeery) 

5m. 

0 

6 

8 

Vicarage  of  the  same 

I  10     0 

— 

The  Deanery  of  Adare. 

Church  of  Clonany  (Cloonana)  . .  2m. 

Vicarage  of  the  same               •  •  ini. 

Church  of  Athnyde  (Anhid)  ..  6w. 
Dunkepchy  (Dunkip)  belonging 

to    the    church    of    Cromych 

(Croom)                                    •  •  I  10     0 


030 
o 


DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

i     ^-     cl. 
aan)             . .                 8m. 

i     s.     d 
0  10     8 

194 

Kilcurnan  (Kilcornan) 
Moynhinyn  (Mornane  ?  in  same 

parish  of  Kilcornan  . .  J\m.  054 

The  church  of  Adare  with  the 

chapels    of    Kylkyrely    (Kil- 

curly)  and  Castle  Robert,     . .     iim.  4    5|  015     i^ 

excepting  10  marks  of  annual 

and     free    rent    which     the 

Hospitallers     have     in     said 

Church. 
Vicarage  of  the  same  . .     5m,  8  io|  — 

excepting  4  marks  of     annual 

rent  which   the   Hospitallers 

have  in  said  church. 
Church  of  Cromnich  (Croom)     ..  28«i.  i  17     6 

Vicarage  of  same  . .  14W.  0  18     8 

Taxation  of  1306. 

The  goods,  spiritual  and  tem- 
poral,   of    the    Bishop         ..       94  17     ^\  9     9     92 

Communia.  The  church  of  St. 
Mary  of  Limerick  for  the 
stipend  of  vicars  there  ad- 
ministering . .  —  — 

Deanery  of  Limerick. 

The    church    of    St.    John    of 

Limerick 
Church  of  Fedm'  (Fedamore)     . 
Vicar  of  the  same  ville 
The   chapel   of   Baliowyn   (Kil- 

caskin)    for    the    rector    and 

vicar  . .         2     0     ( 

The  church  of  Kilmehorok  for 

rector  and  vicar  (Kilmurry)  ..         50c 
The   church  of   Karnathie   for 

rector  (Cahernarry)  . .  8m 


0     0 

0    2 

8w. 

0  10 

4m. 

0     5 

ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS   OF   THE   DIOCESE.         195 


i 

s.     d. 

i 

s.     d. 

Sengle  (Singland) 

I 

0     0 

0 

2      0 

Dounaghmore  (Donaghmore) . . 

3m. 

0 

4    0 

Kilmo'tan  (St.  Munchin's) 

0 

10     0 

0 

0  I2d 

Kilkid    (Kilkeedy)    for    rector 

and  vicar 

5 

0     0 

0 

ID      0 

Dalgarvan     (Derrygalvin)     for 

rector  and  victor 

3m. 

0 

4     0 

The  church  of  St.  Michael  for 

rector 

I 

0     0 

0 

2     0 

Kilbegan  (Kilpeacon)  with  ap- 

purtenances 

2 

0     0 

0 

4    0 

Crenachmahill  (Knocknagaul) . . 

$m. 

^m. 

Crecowere  (Crecora) 

5w. 

\m. 

Manugaria  (Mungret) 

8m. 

0 

10     8 

Catherbaghlach  (Cahervally)    . . 

5m. 

\m. 

Kilheil  (Killeely) 

I 

0     0 

0 

2     0 

Kilhyntena  (Kilfintinan) 

I 

0     0 

0 

2     0 

Kilcohan  (Kilquane) 

0 

10     0 

0 

I     0 

Church    of     St.     Nicholas     of 

Limerick 

— 

— 

Kilrussce  (Kilrush) 

— 

— 

Sum  of  taxation 

148 

10  loi 

— 

Tenth 

14  17     li  proved. 

Deanery  of  Killmallock. 

The  church  of  St.  Mary,i  Killoc 

(Kilmallock),  belongs  to   the 

maintenance  of  12  vicars  of 

the  cathedral  church  . .  —  — 

Portion  of  the  vicarage  of  the 

sameville  ••         500  o  10     0 

The   church   of    Kilbride    (Kil- 

breedy)  minor  for  the  rector         168  028 

1  This  should  evidently  run  as  follows.  The  church  of  Kilmallock 
belongs  to  St.  Mary's  Cathedral  for  the  maintenance  of  twelve  vicars. 
As  we  shall  see  later  on,  the  rectorship  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's 
parish,  which  is  Kilmallock,  belonged  to  the  chapter  of  the  cathedral. 


196  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

£     s.     d.  £     s.     d. 

For  the  vicar  of  same  ,.         0  13     4  014 

The  church  of  Kilcolyan  (Kil- 

quane)  . .  3;».  040 

The  church  of   GHnogre  (GHn- 

ogra)  for  rector 
For  vicar  of  same 
Dromyn  Icherolyn  (Dromin)     . . 
Bahgadi  (Ballingaddy) 
The  vicar  of  same 
De  Inygari  (Uregare) 
Kilbride  (Kilbreedy)  Major 
For  vicar  of  same 
Darmeto  (Darragh) 
Vicar  of  same 

Bahtancard  (Tankardstown)    . . 
Church  of  Killyn  (Kilflyin) 
Athlech  (Athlacca) 
Tholaghbreg  (Tullabracky) 
Kilfennan  (Kilfinnane) 
Effyng  (Efan) 

Imelachdreyn  (Emlygrennan) 
Athnedessce  (Athneasy) 
Brumy  (Bruree) 
BaHseward  (Howardstown) 
Ardpatrick  with  appurtenances 

Deanery  of  Garthe  {BalUngany). 

Garthe  (BalHngarry)  ..        10     0     0 

The  churches  of  Korkemayde   . .  — 

Motasinagh  (Mahoonagh)  Moy- 

althi  (Kilmeedy  ?)  . .  — 

Clonka  (Cloncagh)  Drumcolthill 

(Dromcollogher)  . .  — 

Cloncrewe  (Cloncrew)  Clonelthy 

(Clonelty)    are    all   destroyed 

by  the  war  . .  — 


Sni. 

hn. 

yn. 

0 

4     0 

10 

0     0 

I 

0     0 

10 

0     0 

I 

0     0 

2 

0     0 

0 

4     0 

12m. 

0 

16     0 

4m. 

0 

5     4 

4m. 

0 

5     4 

4m. 

0 

5     4 

4m. 

0 

5     4 

4m. 

0 

5     4 

I 

0     0 

0 

I     0 

I07H. 

0 

13     4 

10 

0      0 

I 

0     0 

5w. 

hn. 

10m. 

0 

13     4 

6in. 

0 

8     0 

10 

0     0 

I 

0     0 

12m. 

0 

16     0 

5m. 

hn. 

io;». 

0 

13     4 

ECCLESIASTICAL    AFFAIRS    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  I97 


I    5.     d. 

£ 

s. 

d. 

Church  of  Kilnefichny  (Kilfinny) 

400 

0 

8 

0 

Church  of  Kilmaclou  (Cappagh) 

100 

0 

2 

0 

Clonchevre  (Clonshire) 

100 

0 

2 

0 

Crothewe   (Croagh) 

lom. 

0 

13 

4 

BaUsahel     (unknown)     because 

burned  down 

— 

— 

Sum  of  taxation 

22  13     4 

— 

Proved 

250 

— 

Deanery  of  Raihgel  {Rathkeale). 

The  church  of  Rathgel  (Rath- 
keale) . .  i2;«.  0  16     o 
Kilcolman  Superior  (near 

Knockaderry) 
Kilscanyl  (Killscannell) 
Clonagh  (Clonagh) 
The  church  of  Castle  Robert  of 

Dondownyl 
Kilcolma  (west)  inferior 
Kilbradan  (Kilbradran) 
Donmelyn  (Dunmoylan) 
Kilmolan  (Kilmoylan) 
Schengole  (Shanagolden) 
The     churches      of     Lanwhull 

(Loughill)      Kilfarwes      (Kil- 

fergus),     Kilmorill     (Kilmur- 

rilly)   are    destroyed  by  war. 
The    church   of    Castle    Robert 

Goer  (Robertstown) 
The    church    of    Disertmardun 

(Morgans) 
Arundel  (Toomdeely) 
Lismaceyre  (Lismakeery) 
Ineskestyn  (Askeaton) 


6m. 

0 

8     0 

4m. 

0 

5     4 

3w. 

0 

4    0 

0     0 

0 

2    0 

2;«. 

0 

2    8 

4ni. 

0 

5    4 

Vn. 

0 

4    0 

Snu 

i;n. 

SM. 

km. 

0     0      . 

0 

I 

0 

2m. 

0 

2 

8 

3w. 

0 

4 

0 

12m. 

0 

16 

0 

igS 


DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 


The  monastery  of  the  Prioress 

£    3.     d 

£     s.     a 

of   O'Conyl  does  not  suffice 

for  the  maintenance  of  the 

Prioress  and  convent. 

The  church  of  Nantenan 

500 

0  ic     0 

Sum  of  taxation 

48     3     4 

— 

Tenth 

4  16     4 

— 

The  Deanery 

of  Ardagh. 

The  church  of  Ardagh 

Churches  of  New  Grange 
(Grange),  New  Castle,  (New- 
castle West),  Rathkatell 
(Monagay),  and  Killolethan 
(Killagholeghan),  destroyed 
by  war 

Chapel  of  Maurice  (Rathronan) 

The  church  of  Killid  (Killeedy), 
the  chapels  de  Monte  Maledic- 
tionis  (the  mountain  of  the 
curse,  Tournafulla),  Kilhat- 
hlage  (Killilagh)  and  Feel 
destroyed  by  war. 

Sum  of  taxation 

Tenth  proved 


0  16     o 


9     o 
0  18 


Deanery  of  Adarc 

The  church  of  Adare   with  its 

appurtenances 
Killonwyn  (Killonahan) 
Ballycathan  (Ballycahane) 
Athnyd  (Anihid) 
Disert  (Dysert) 
Mouryn 

Ardcathny  (Ardcanny) 
Kilcurnan  (Kilcornan) 
Kildyme  (Kildimo) 


T-om. 

im 

2m. 

0 

2     8 

yn. 

0 

4     0 

2 

0     0 

0 

4     0 

2 

0     0 

0 

4     0 

2 

0     0 

0 

4     0 

5m. 

0 

6     8 

4 

0     0 

0 

8     0 

10 

0     0 

I 

0     0 

ECCLESIASTICAL    AFFAIRS    OF    THE     DIOCESE.  I99 


£   s-    ^• 

£    s.     d. 

Jurisdiction  of  the  Archdeacon 

4;;/. 

054 

The  church  of  Cromethe  (Croom) 

10    0    0 

100 

Sum  of  taxation 

46    0    0 

— 

Tenth  proved 

4  12    0 

— 

Sum  total  of  taxation  of  diocese 

391    14      2h 

— 

Tenth 

39     3     5* 

— 

These  lists  give  a  graphic  picture  of  the  state  of  the 
diocese  in  the  early  years  of  the  fourteenth  century. 
In  comparing  them,  one  cannot  fail  to  notice  the  great 
change  that  took  place  in  the  value  of  some  of  the 
churches,  in  the  space  of  four  years.  Some  that  were 
rich  and  flourishing  in  the  return  of  1302,  were  burned 
down  and  valueless  in  1306.  The  reason  assigned  for 
this  sad  change  is,  "  the  war,"  though  it  is  unrecorded 
by  any  of  our  annalists. 

The  disturbed  state  of  societ3%  and  the  havoc  it 
wrought  on  the  ecclesiastical  property  of  the  diocese, 
must  have  embittered  the  closing  years  of  Robert's 
episcopacy.  He  died  in  the  year  1311,  and  was  interred 
in  the  Cathedral. 


Eustace  de  Aqua  {or  Waters)  1311-1336. 

Immediately  after  Robert's  demise,  Master  Laurence 
and  Thomas  de  Maggio,i  canons  of  the  cathedral,  were 
sent  to  England  with  the  news,  and  to  obtain  licence 
from  the  king  to  proceed  with  the  election  of  a  bishop. 

The  weather  being  very  stormy,  the  messengers  were 
unduly  detained.  In  the  meantime,  the  chapter  pro- 
ceeded to  elect  Eustace  the  dean.  Though  the  election 
was  informal,  the  king  confirmed  it,  and  granted  pardon 
to  Eustace  and  the  chapter,  for  any  penalty  they  may 
have  incurred  for  such  an  illegal  proceeding. 

J  See  Patent  Rolls  (English  State  Paper  Series)* 


200  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

There  are  only  two  documents  in  the  Black  Book 
relating  to  his  episcopacy,  one  refers  to  an  arrangement 
regarding  procuration  fees,  and  the  other  informs  us 
that  Henry  Fitzdavid  Eytchyi  quitclaimed  to  the  bishop, 
a  messuage  and  half  a  carucate  of  land  in  TuUaghbreg 
(Tuhabracky).  He  is  said  to  have  been  a  great  bene- 
factor to  the  cathedral.     He  died  1337. 


Maurice  Rochfort  (1337-1353)- 

Maurice  was   elected   by   the  dean   and    chapter,  and 
confirmed  by  the  Archbishop  of  Cashel. 

This  is  the  first  instance  in  the  diocese,  since  the 
coming  of  the  Anglo-Normans,  that  the  king  was  not 
notified  of  the  vacancy,  or  licence  asked  for  the  election 
of  a  bishop,  for  which,  the  chapter  incurred  the  fine 
of  100S.2  The  king,  however,  confirmed  the  election, 
and  gave  orders  to  John  Darcy,  the  Justiciary,  to  restore 
the  temporalities  of  the  diocese  to  Maurice. 

In  the  year  1346,^  a  Parliament  assembled  at  Kilkenny, 
and  passed  an  act  giving  the  king  a  subsidy,  to  meet 
the  exigencies  of  the  State.  Ralph  Kelly,  Archbishop 
of  Cashel,  held  a  meeting  of  his  suffragans,  at  which 
they  formulated  a  decree  against  the  levying  of  this 
tax  in  Munster,  and  enforced  its  observance  by  sentence 
of  excommunication  against  all  who  would  subscribe 
to  it. 

In  the  following  year  Maurice  was  indited  for  taking 
part  in  this  meeting,  and  found  guilty.  This  unfriendli- 
ness to  the  Government  did  not  last  long,  as  we  find  him 
in  1351  acting  as  deputy  to  Sir  John  Rokeby,  Justice 
of  Ireland.     He  died  in  the  year  1353.     According  to 


i  See  p.  130,  B.B.L. 

2  Patent  Rolls. 

^  See  Ware's  Bishops  of  Limerick. 


ECCLESIASTICAL    AFFAIRS    OF    THE    DIOCESE.         201 

the  annals  of  Nenagh,  "  he  was  a  man  of  good  Ufe  and 
honest  conversation." 

A  rental  of  the  episcopal  manors  of  the  diocese, 
which  was  made  during  the  incumbency  of  Maurice,  is 
preserved  in  the  Black  Book.  This  document  gives  a 
very  full  and  interesting  account  of  the  manors  held 
by  the  Bishops  of  Limerick,  as  temporal  lords.  They 
were  Mungret^i  Kilmallock,  Cluainchen,  (Clonshire), 
Ardagh,  and  Leamkail  (Loughill) 


The  Manor  of  Mungret. 

The  manor  of  Mungret  comprised  the  lands  that  were 
granted  to  Brictius  by  Donald  O'Brien,  the  lands  of 
Lesnanermodda,  etc.,  granted  to  Donat  by  WilUam  de 
Burgo,  and  the  ten  carucates  of  O'Mail  granted  to 
Edmund. 

These  manors,  hke  those  of  the  temporal  lords  beiore 
referred  to,  were  composed  of  Betagii  and  Free  Tenants. 
From  this  return  we  may  conclude  that  there  was  no 
marked  change  in  the  tenure  of  land,  but  was  the  same 
as  that  established  at  the  formation  of  the  secular  manors. 

O'Dewayn  held  the  viUe  of  Waving  in  the  western  part 
of  the  manor.  The  name  is  still  preserved  in  the  town- 
land  of  Ballyduane.  O'Cugnan  had  the  townland  of 
Yerynan  which  was  beside  Ballyduane,  but  now  the  name 
is  obsolete.  O'Molcassyl  held  the  townland  of  Ymol- 
cassill  now  known   as   Ballymacashel. 

There  were  four  Betagii  occupying  lands  that 
extended  from  the  castle  of  the  manor  to  Ballycomy 
<Ballycummin),  and  to  Clothdown,  and  their  names  were 
O'Carthany,  O'Coggan,  O'Helyle,  O'Connynk. 


B.B.L.,  pp.  138-40. 


202  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

The  lands  of  the  free  tenants  : —  £   s.   d, 

Rathgrallayn  . .  . .  . .  . .       o  13     4 

Killarog  or  Kiltroge  was  beside  Lickadoon.     In 
Elizabeth's  reign  it  consisted  of  2  quarters,  and 
formed  with  Lickadoon  and  Boherenlloyd  (Boher- 
load)thetuathofO'Ryle  ..  ..  ..  — 

Kilros  beyond  the  Shannon  (now  Kilrush,  North 

Circular  Road)       . .  . ,  . .  . .         — 

Thomas  de  Valle  (Wall),  Crewmaille  (now  Bally- 

clough  and  surrounding  locality)        . .  . .         — 

Gerald  de  Rupe  (Roche)         . .  . .  . .        i  10     o 

Matthew  Fitzroger    . .  . .  . .  ..026 

Henry  Buckley,  Ballycathran  . .  . .         — 

Killynatan  . .  . .  . .  . .         — 

Moneychard  or  Monetyr  . .  . .  . .         — 

Galf  de  Coke  of  Dubcarryg  or  Clothcohy  (Clogh- 

tokie  ?)  . .  . .  . .  . .         — 

Richard  Keyting  of  Ville  Keyting  (Cloghkeating)  — 

Island  Bovavy  . .  . .  . .  . .         — 

Arcathny  (Ardcanny)  . .  . .  .  •         — 

Ballymolduin  (Milltown)  . .  . .  . .         — 

Galfridus  Crennach   . .  . .  . .  . .         — 

A  quarter  belonging  to  John  Keating  . .         — 

The  Lordships  of  the  manor.     Betagii  and  tene- 
ment of  bg*gan      . .  . .  . .  . .         — 

John  Scoles  . .  . .  . .  . .         — 

The  tenement  of  Carrestown  . .  . .         — 

The  tenement  of  Ballymolcessil  , .  . .         — 

William  O'Crynan,  Crynanstown  . .  . .         — 

The  same  William  had  another  holding  —         — 

John  O'Dewayn         . .  . .  . .  . .         — 

The  same  John,  2  acres  in  the  Lordship  . .         — 

Thomas  Cesynan 

Philip  O'Lernyn 

John  Croyng 

Nicholas  O' Conor 

De  Naccis 

Total  Rent  of  Manor 


£ 

S. 

d. 

II 

7 

4 

2 

9 

0 

ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  203 


The  Manor  of  Kilmallock. 

Of  burgage  of  the  town 

For  the  farm  they  were  bound  to  pay  . . 

But  now  they  pay  only  i  lb.  of  peper,  nor  is  it 
known  how  much  was  the  first  rent  put  upon 
them,  or  how  they  became  exonerated  from  it. 
Ballymolynnan  .  .  . .  . .  ..400 

Censur  . .  . .  . .  — 

The  bakehouse  (De  Fornag)   .  .  . .  . .       0  16     0 

The  Disert  of  Ballyhowregan  . .  . .       244 

Ballytorken  . ,  . .  . .  ..070 

Lysconmoylan  .  ,  . .  . .  . .         — 

Total  rent  of  Manor  . .  . .  . .     21  12     4 

Cluainchen  {Clonshire). 

This  manor  was  situated  between  Adare  and  Croagh  ; 
many  of  the  townlands  mentioned  as  belonging  to  it 
were  detached,  and  some  of  them,  such  as  Cloncagh, 
many  miles  distant. 


Kilnafygny  (Kilhnny) 

Courtestown 

Ballygailroyth,    having    Richard    Serve    as     free 

tenant 
Torgr 

Richard  Mayawe  of  Hercestown 
Richard  Mayawe  of  Ypholistown 
Ballymaclothy  alias  Stonetown 
John  Fitzdavid,  Nagailsyrnadhi 
John  Fitzdavid,  Polynestown,  11  marks 
Bothuston 

The  church  villa  there 
Sum  total ' 
De  Cowlban 
Richard  Sexton,  Kylstannyl  (Kilscannell) 


/ 

s. 

d. 

6 

13 

4 

0 

10 

0 

0 

13 

4 

0 

13 

0 

0 

10 

0 

0 

10 

0 

I 

5 

0 

0 

3 

4 

0 

10 

0 

0 

6 

0 

0 

6 

0 

6 

13 

4 

3 

6 

8 

I 

0 

0 

204  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 


£     s. 

d. 

Clouncath  (Cloncagh) 

0  II 

4 

Rathnaser 

0    6 

0 

Craag  alias  Deanstown 

0  10 

0 

Kappagho  Kylm'Cluana  (Kappagh) 

I  13 

4 

Burgess  of  Cluainchen  (Clonshire) 

I     5 

0 

The  lordship  of  Cluainbull 

I     I 

8 

Geriag  y  gussain 

0     6 

8 

Cluaincath  (Cloncagh) 

2  15 

10 

William,     clericus,     9     acres     in     Drohidt 

arsna 

(Drehidtarsna) 

0     9 

0 

Thomas,  clericus,  4  acres  in  the  same  townland 

0    9 

0 

Rathandayn 

0  12 

0 

Lisrona 

0  13 

0 

Gurtinabugna  and   Curtinamoleyn    beside 

Clon- 

shire 

0     2 

0 

Heyestown 

0     6 

8 

Cluaincrema  (Cloncrew) 

2     0 

0 

Sum  total 

23  10 

8 

020 


The  Manor  of  Ardagh. 

Of  burgage  there        . .             . .             . .  .,300 

Kyllachtyn   (Killoghteen)   to   the   south  west  of 

Newcastle  West      . .              . .              . .  ..400 

Drumdyl  (Toomdeely)              . .              . .  . .       189 

Rynheachogy,  near  Toomdeely              . .  . .       054 

Ceag  na  Saer,  near  Toomdeely             . .  . .        050 

Gortyn-Clochan,  near  Toomdeely 

Dissert  Margeori  (Morgans)     . .  . .       i  10 

The  Manor  of  Leamkail  {Loughill). 
The  lands  of  the  free  tenants  : — 

Lacony  alias  Gaill  Natragha                  . .  . .       016 
Ballydowonyll  and  Ballyscanlan  (these  townlands 

were  beside  the  present  Ballynash)  . .  . .       07 


ECCLESIASTICAL  AFFAIRS    OF  THE    DIOCESE. 


205 


£  5. 

d. 

Keapagh  y  Dalygh  (now 

Kappagh  near  Foynes) 

I    0 

0 

Knockbalytorsna    alias    Cnoknabualy    (Knockna- 

booly) 

. . 

I    0 

0 

Cruad  Tuaskyst 

.. 

0    I 

0 

Kylmoenog 

— 

Tradue  alias  Rous    . . 

. . 

0  13 

4 

The  land  of  Rous     . . 

.  . 

0  13 

4 

Kylsnykytt 

.. 

0    5 

0 

The  lordships   and 

Betagii   there  : — 

Lisryada  (Lisready)  . . 

. . 

I    3 

4 

Cond  O'Kyarayin  (the  h 

md  of) 

I    0 

0 

Kailtyry  (Kilteery)   .. 

. . 

0  19 

0 

Island  Ouynery 

.  • 

0    I 

0 

De  quatio  Boan  et  . . 

.. 

0  15 

0 

De  usdm  p  operibus 

. . 

0    2 

6 

Bally-n-montin  and  Gorl 

.  yn  Clohan,  parts  of   the 

Church  of  Loughill 

.  • 

0  13 

0 

Kylfeargassa  (Glin)  . . 

. . 

0     8 

0 

Ballyhuallachan  (Ballyhoolahan) 

0     3 

4 

Kylmuryile  (Kilmrrily) 

.. 

0  ^5 

0 

Crynog  . .  •  •  . .  . .         — 

Leacherdaid  and  Culach  in  Byn  Byr  . .         — 

The  fishery  of  Ardymbgr        . .  , .  . .         — 

The  lordships  of  Drumilyn  (Drumoylan)  . .          — 

Surolayn  (Sroolane,  Robertstown  parish)  . ,         — 

Loughill  . .  . .  . .  . .         — 

Alysbokan  in  Knockpatrick  , .  . .         — 

Of    burgage    of     Seanguala    (Shanagolden)    paid 

annually  . .  . .  . .  ••500 

The  principal  names  of  Burgesses  were  : — 
Maurice  Chathmarciadh,  Gibbon  deValle  (Wall), 
Alan  O'Kaellagy,  Henry  Connaght,  Thomas 
Cynachtach,  Juhus  Tonchyn,  John  Moyan,  etc. 

This    manor    would    be    substantially    co-extensive 
with  the   present  parish   of   Loughill   and   some   of  the 


206  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

outlying  districts.  The  castle  ^  of  the  manor  formerly 
stood  near  the  shore,  but  was  pulled  down  by  a  local 
gentleman  who  built  a  garden  wall  of  the  materials. 

Stephen  Lawless  (i353-i359)- 

Stephen  Lawless  was  chancellor  of  the  diocese  in  the 
year  1342,2  when  he  was  provided  with  a  canonry  in 
the  diocese  of  Dublin,  holding  at  the  same  time,  benefices 
in  the  dioceses  of  Cashel,  Cloyne,  Lismore,  and  Cork, 
but  receiving  no  income  from  them.  In  1346  ^  he  received 
an  Indult  from  Rome,  granting  him  the  power  to  visit 
the  churches  and  monasteries  of  the  diocese  by  deputy, 
and  receive  the  procuration  fees. 

On  the  death  of  Maurice,*  he  was  elected  bishop  by 
the  chapter,  but  the  election  was  found  to  be  informal 
as  it  was  not  carried  out  according  to  the  instructions 
received  from  Rome  in  the  life-time  of  the  preceding 
bishop.  Innocent  VI,  however,  considering  his  high 
moral  character  and  great  learning,  was  pleased  to 
confirm  the  election.  During  his  episcopacy  the  follow- 
ing appointments  were  made  in  the  diocese  by  Papal 
provision. 

1352.^  On  the  death  of  Thomas  de  Corkebay  his 
prebend  was  given  to  John  Gate. 

1358.  Stephen  de  Walle,  on  the  death  of  Thomas 
de  Worele  or  Berkele,  was  appointed  dean. 

1358.  David  Banconte  or  Bancontre,  was  appointed 
archdeacon. 

1358.  Walter  Godheyn  (Goodwin),  was  appointed 
treasurer,  on  the  death  of  Ade  Hunt. 

1359.  PhiUp    Brayboroke   was    appointed    precentor, 

1  See  Lewis  Topog.Dict. 

«  Bliss,  Calendar  of  Papal  Registers. 

3  Ibid. 

*  Thciner,  year   1353- 

s  Ibid.,  p.  337  and  following  for  these  appointments. 


ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS   OF  THE    DIOCESE.  20/ 

an  office  that  was  unlawfully  detained  with  the  church 
of  Nantenan  by  Adam  Craddoke,  for  three  years. 
Stephen  died  on  Innocents  Day,  1359. 


Stephen  de  Valle  {Wall)  (1360-1369). 

Stephen  de  Wall,  deani  of  the  diocese,  summoned 
the  chapter  to  elect  a  bishop,  according  to  the  provisions 
of  Canon  law.  The  chapter  was  divided  as  to  their 
selection.  The  majority  supported  Stephen,  the  dean, 
who  was  only  twenty-eight  years  of  age,  but  of  brilliant 
parts  and  blameless  life.  The  minority  supported 
Henry  White,  a  canon  of  the  cathedral,  and  without  any 
definite  decision  being  arrived  at,  the  whole  matter  was 
referred  to  Rome. 

The  Pope  ordered  an  inquiry  to  be  made  into  the 
matter,  with  the  result  that  Stephen  was  appointed 
bishop,  and  the  spiritualities  and  temporalities  of  the 
diocese  conferred  upon  him.  In  1357  he  was  appointed 
to  the  canonery  of  Dysert,  and  on  the  death  of  Thomas 
de  Worlle  or  Berkele,  was  appointed  dean  as  we  have 
already  seen.  During  his  time  as  bishop  there  are 
some  Papal  returns  extant,  which  throw  some  light  in 
filling  the  vacancies  in  the  diocese. 

1360.  When 2  Stephen  was  appointed  bishop,  Henry 
White  was  made  dean,  but  having  died  the  same  year, 
Ade  White  was  advanced  to  the  office. 

1361.  Bartholomew  Dullard  was  appointed  chancellor. 

1362.  John  Meradam  was  appointed  to  the  prebend 
of  Dysert,  on  the  death  of  Stephen  Germone. 

The  same  year,  Gerard  Lawless,  priest  of  the  diocese 
was  advanced  to  the  treasurership,  on  the  death  of  Ade 
Hunt. 


1  Theiner,  p.  316,   for  these  appointments. 

2  Ibid.,  p.  339. 


2o8  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

1363.  The  perpetual  vicarage  of  the  parochial  church 
of  Kilkeedy  became  vacant  by  the  death  of  Thomas, 
late  vicar,  and  the  Holy  See  appointed  Thomas  de  Burgo, 
priest  of  the  diocese  of  Emly,  to  it. 

Phihp  de  Wall,  priest  of  the  diocese,  was  made  arch- 
deacon of  Ardfert.  David  Gower,  priest  of  the  diocese, 
was  advanced  to  the  prebend  of  Kyapowlere  Malone  in 
the  diocese  of  Cork.  Richard  de  WalP  of  Cork,  was 
appointed  treasurer  of  Limerick  on  the  death  of  Robert 
Godwyn. 

While  Bishop  of  Limerick,  Stephen  translated  the 
remains  of  the  great  Richard  Fitzralph,  from  Avignon, 
where  he  died,  to  Dundalk,  his  birthplace,  and  had  them 
deposited  in  the  parish  church  of  that  town. 

In  1367  he  was  transferred  from  the  diocese  of 
Limerick  to  Meath.  Afterwards  he  became  lord  high 
treasurer  of  Ireland,  an  office  he  held  until  the  time  of 
his  death,  which  took  place  at  Oxford  in  the  year  1379, 
and  in  the  forty-seventh  year  of  his  age,  when  most 
men  are  only  beginning  their  pubhc  career.  He  was 
interred  in  the  Dominican  monastery  of  that  town. 


Peter  Curiath  {Curragh  or  Creagh)  (1369-1400). 

Peter  Curiath  2  or  Creagh,  a  canon  of  the  diocese  of 
Ferns,  and  according  to  Ware  a  native  of  Dublin,  was 
appointed  to  the  See  of  Limerick  by  Papal  provision. 
Shortly  after  his  arrival  in  the  city,  he  became  involved 
in  a  dispute  with  the  Franciscan  fathers,  who  appealed 
against  his  treatment  of  them  to  their  protector,  Philip 
Torrington,  Archbishop  of  Cashel. 

The  Archbishop  as  conservator  of  the  privileges  of 
the   Franciscans  in   Ireland,    came   to   Limerick   to   in- 

1  Ware's  Bishops  of  Limerick. 

2  See  Theiner,  year  1 369 


ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  209' 

vestigate  the  matter  in  dispute.'  On  his  arrival,  he 
cited  the  bishop  to  appear  and  answer  the  charges 
brought  against  him.  Instead  of  paying  any  deference 
to  the  citation  of  the  Archbishop,  Peter  laid  violent 
hands  upon  him,  and  ordered  him  to  quit  his  diocese 
immediately,  lest  somethhig  worse  should  befall  him 
and  his  attendants.  After  this  encounter  with  the 
Archbishop,  he  imposed  more  serious  restrictions  still 
on  the  Franciscans,  and  excommunicated  all  within 
his  jurisdiction  who  should  repair  for  divine  service  or 
burial  ceremonies  within  their  church. 

When  the  Archbishop,  according  to  custom,  came  tO' 
Limerick  to  preach,  the  bishop  ordered  a  pubhc  pro- 
clamation to  be  made,  that  no  person  under  pain  of 
excommunication  should  hear  the  Archbishop's  sermon, 
and  excommunicated  by  name,  any  who  attended  it. 
When  the  Archbishop  left  the  city,  he  was  pursued  by 
the  servants  of  the  bishop,  wlio  laid  violent  hands  upon 
and  forced  the  bridle  off  his  horse's  head. 

In  1376,  this  dispute  was  referred  to  Simon  Sudbury, 
Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  by  the  Pope,  who  gave  him 
authority  to  enquire  into  the  conduct  of  Peter,  and  if 
he  found  the  allegations  true,  to  pronounce  the  bishop' 
and  his  accomplices  excommunicated.  He  took  away 
all  power  of  appeal  until  ample  satisfaction  was  made 
to  the  Archbishop  of  ^Cashel,  and  that  Peter  and  ac- 
complices should  come  to  the  Holy  See  for  absolution. 

How  this  dispute  finally  terminated  is  unknown. 
But  it  must  not  have  lowered  Peter  much  in  the 
estimation  of  his  superiors,  as  he  was  appointed  the 
following  year,  with  the  Abbot  of  O'Madio  2  (Maggio 
Monasternenagh),  in  the  diocese  of  Limerick,  by  the 
Holy  See  to  enquire  into,  and  if    necessary,  to  punish 


1  See  Appendix  for  original  document. 

2  Theiner,  p.  358. 


210  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

with  censures,  certain  infringements  on  the  hberties  of 
the  church  of  Emly. 

He  seems  to  have  quarrelled  also  with  the  Irish 
portion  of  his  subjects,  and  became  so  obnoxious,  that 
they  were  forced  to  imprison  him,  as  we  learn  from  the 
following  document  : — 

Peter,'  Bishop  of  Limerick,  having  been  taken  prisoner 
by  the  Irish  enemy  (1394)  is  now  on  payment  of  10  marks 
to  the  king  (Richard  II),  exonerated  from  the  fine  of  roo 
marks  imposed  on  him  for  his  absence  from  Parhament  of 
the  thirteenth  year  of  this  reign  (rsgo). 

He  resigned  the  bishopric  in  the  year  1400,  and  died 
in  the  year  1407,  seized  in  fee  of  the  lands  of  Curragh,2 
leaving  Matilda  Curragh  his  heir. 

The  following  interesting  details  as  to  the  appoint- 
ments to  benefices  in  the  diocese  during  his  episcopacy, 
have  come  down  to  us  : — 

1382.  Hugh  de  Cotyngham,^  prebendary  of  Efhn,  in 
the  cathedral  of  Limerick,  sta3nng  at  the  time  in  England, 
was  granted  letters  nominating  Walter  de  Brugge  and 
Thomas  Everdon,  clerks,  as  his  attornies  in  Ireland  for 
two  years. 

The  same  year  Hugh  was  appointed  treasurer  and 
secretary  to  the  queen,  and  received  licence  to  absent 
himself  from  his  lands  in  Ireland,  as  long  as  he  remained 
in  the  service  of  the  king  and  queen,  notwithstanding 
the  late  ordinances  in  Parliament. 

The  above  Thomas  Everdon,*  in  the  year  1392,  was 
appointed  to  the  prebend  of  Effin,  with  all  its  rights 
and  profits,  which  was  void  and  belonged  to  the  gift  of 
the  king,  probably  owing  to  the  minority  of  the  patron. 

1  See  Lynch,  View  of  Legal  Institutions  and  Feudal  Baronies,  p.  64. 

2  Calendar  of  Mem.  Rolls,  vol.  iig 

3  Patent  Rolls,  English  State  Paper  Series. 

4  Irish  Council  Book  of  Richard  II,  1393-94  (Rolls  Series). 


ECCLESIASTICAL    AFFAIRS   OF   THE    DIOCESE.  211 

1383.  William  de  Navesby,i  prebendar}^  of  TuUa- 
breck,  in  the  church  of  Limerick,  staying  in  England, 
received  letters  nominating  Thomas  Karlel  (Carlile), 
clerk,  and  Thomas  Britwell  his  attornies  in  Ireland  for 
one  year. 

1389.2  The  archdeacon  receives  a  mandate  from  the 
Holy  See  to  appoint  Thomas  Naith,  of  the  Geraldines, 
clerk  of  the  diocese,  and  of  noble  family,  to  the  canonry 
and  prebend  of  Killeedy,  value  12  marks,  being  so  long 
void  by  the  marriage  of  Thomas  O'Grady,  that  by  the 
Statute  of  the  Latern  Council,  they  have  lapsed  to  the 
Pope. 

1391.3  John  Rede,  D.C.L.,  was  appointed  to  the 
canonry  and  prebend  of  Donaghmore. 

1392.*  The  Archdeacon  and  Gerald  O'Molkarar 
(Mulcorkery),  canon,  were  ordered  to  summon  William 
Brys,  priest  of  Meath,  who  unlawfully  detained  the 
chancellorship  of  Limerick  (which  is  not  elective),  value 
40  marks,  is  void  by  the  marriage  of  Thomas  Peston, 
and  assign  it  to  Thomas,  son  of  John  Geraldines,  knight, 
rector  of  Cluychertrayn,  in  the  diocese  of  Ardfert. 

1393.5  A  mandate  to  reserve  to  John  Archer,  rector 
•of  Athenedisse  (Athneasy),  in  the  diocese,  a  benefice 
with  or  without  the  cure  of  souls,  according  to  his  fitness 
after  the  usual  examination  in  Latin. 

1394.6  Richard  Bondwill,  priest,  to  be  summoned, 
and  if  it  is  found  that  the  church  of  Athlacach  (Athlacca), 
value  for  15  marks,  although  unlawfully  detained  by 
said  Richard,  is  void  because  Thomas  Hunt  held  it  for 
two  years  and  more,  without  being  ordained  priest  ;  it 
is  to  be  given  to  Thomas  St.  James,  canon  of  Limerick, 
notwithstanding    that    the    Pope    has    recently    ordered 


1  Patent  Rolls.  -^  Ibid. 

2  Bliss,  Papal  Registers,  voL  iv.,  1 362-1404.  '">  Ibid. 

3  Ibid.  6  Ibid. 


212  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

provision  to  be  made  to  him  of  a  canoniy  in  Limerick,. 
and  the  perpetual  vicarage  of  Ballagady  (BaUingady)- 

1394.  A  mandate  to  summon  John  O'Doughe,  priest 
of  the  diocese  of  Cashel,  and  if  it  is  found  that  the 
perpetual  vicarage  of  Clonelche  (Clonelty),  value  5  marks, 
though  unlawfully  detained  by  John,  is  void,  because 
John  O'Molcokara  had  it  for  three  or  more  years,  without 
being  ordained  priest,  it  is  to  be  given  to  William 
Hammond,  priest  of  the  diocese. 

1394.  A  mandate  to  summon  Thomas  O'Flaninara 
(Flannery),  priest  of  the  diocese,  and  if  it  is  found  that 
the  perpetual  vicarage  of  Kilcurnan,  value  10  marks, 
although  unlawfully  detained  by  Thomas,  is  void,  be- 
cause Philip  Russell  held  it  for  a  year  and  more  without 
being  ordained  priest,  it  is  to  be  given  to  a  Killaloe  priest. 

1394.1  The  Archbishop  of  Cashel  was  ordered  to 
make  provision  for  Gerald,  son  of  Maurice  Richard, 
Knight  canon  of  Limerick,  who  studied  civil  law  for 
four  years  and  a  half,  if  found  fit  after  an  examination, 
of  a  canonr}^  in  the  diocese,  with  the  reservation  of  a 
prebend,  notwithstanding  that  he  held  the  canonry 
and  prebend  of  Efhn,  with  the  parish  church  of 
Moynachy  (Monagay)  in  the  diocese. 

1396.  Gyllaseanayn  O'Halpin  to  be  ordained  priest, 
and  to  obtain  the  vicarage  of  Kilscannell,  value  5  marks, 
void,  because  Richard  Burke  who  had  no  dispensation, 
held  it  for  a  year  and  more  without  being  ordained 
priest. 

These  items  are  very  interesting,  as  they  show  what 
little  patronage  the  bishop  of  the  diocese  had  in  those 
days.  It  is  curious  that  all  the  mandates,  directing 
these  appointments,  are  addressed  to  members  of  the 
chapter,  instead  of  the  bishop. 


Bliss,  Papal  Registers,  vol.  iv, 


3fourteentb  Century. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

THE    CIVIL    AFFAIRS    OF    THE    COUNTRY,    PORTION    OF    THE 
DIOCESE. 

At  the  opening  of  the  fourteenth  century,  John 
Fitzthomas^  succeeded  to  the  family  estates  of  the 
Kildare  branch  of  the  Geraldines,  and  became  one  of 
the  leading  men  in  Ireland.  He  seems  to  have  spent 
a  good  deal  of  his  early  years  in  the  County  Limerick, 
as  his  name  frequentl}'^  appears  as  witness  to  documents 
in  the  Black  Book,  also  in  lawsuits  for  establishing  his 
title  to  certain  lands  in  that  county. 

He  received  from  his  cousin,  Amabilia  Fitzgerald, 
the  manor  of  Corcomohide.  For  his  valiant  services  in 
Scotland,  and  Flanders,  he  received  from  the  king  the 
manor  of  Shanid,  at  a  low  rent,  during  the  minority  of 
the  house  of  Desmond.  This  manor  was  afterwards 
given  to  Matilda  de  Barry,  the  widow  of  Maurice  Fitzjohn, 
as  her  dowery. 

At  the  close  of  the  year  130 1,  he  obtained  a  grant  in 
fee  of  free  warren  in  his  demesne  lands  in  the  counties 
of  Kildare  and  Carlow,  and  in  the  manors  of  Adare, 
Cromuth  (Croom),  Castle  Robert,  Athlacca,  Wyrgedy, 
Greene,  Est  Grene,  and  Cork  Moighid  (Corcomohide)  in 
the  county  of  Limerick.  After  obtaining  possession  of 
the  ancestoral  inheritance,  he  seems  to  have  taken  up 
his  residence  on  the  Kildare  estates,  near  the  centre  of 
government.     He    did    not    neglect,    however,    to    look 


1  For  the  following  see  S.C.D.I.  and  Eayls  of  Kildare.    Black  Book 
of  Limerick. 


214  DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 

after  his  Limerick  property,  as  he  received  a  grant  from 
the  Crown  for  walhng  in  the  towns  of  Adare  and  Croom, 
to  protect  them  from  the  incursions  of  the  Irish  enemy. 
This  is  a  ver}'  interesting  grant,  as  it  gives  a  very 
minute  hst  of  the  articles  that  were  exposed  for  sale' 
in  these  towns,  on  market  da3'S,  wliich  were,  it  is  to 
be  presumed,  in  common  use  amongst  the  inhabitants 
of  the  surrounding  country  at  this  period.  It  is  as 
follows '':  — 

The  King  to  his  Bailiffs  and  good  men  of  Adare  ^  sends, 
greeting.  Know  you,  that  we,  at  the  instance  of  oar  dear 
and  faithful  John  (son  of  Thomas),  have  granted  to  you^ 
that  you  may  take  in  the  said  town,  as  a  help  to  enclose- 
the  same  town  with  a  stone  wall,  from  the  feast  of  St.  Mary 
Magdalen,  next  ensuing,  up  to  the  end  of  three  years  next 
ensuing,  to  be  fully  completed,  the  following  customs,  viz.  :— 
Id.  for  every  crannoc  of  every  kind  of  corn  for  sale  ;  ^d.  for 
every  crannoc  of  salt ;  ^d.  for  every  horse  or  mare  or  pony,. 
cow  or  heifer  for  sale  ;  ^d.  for  every  carcase  of  a  cow  or  heifer 
for  sale  ;  ^d.  for  every  hide  of  a  cow  or  heifer,  pony,  horse,, 
or  mare,  fresh,  salted,  or  tanned  ;  id.  for  five  pigs  ;  id.  for 
ten  sheep  or  goats  ;  id.  for  every  five  hogs  ;  id.  for  ten  lambs  ; 
2d.  for  every  hundred  skins  of  sheep  unshorn  or  shorn  ;  id. 
for  every  hundred  skins  of  lambs,  martens,  goats,  hares,- 
rabbits,  foxes,  cats,  or  squirrels  ;  id.  for  every  hundred 
skins  of  harts,  hinds,  bucks,  does  ;  4d.  for  every  hundred  of 
Irish  cloth  ;  2d.  for  every  hundred  of  linen  cloth  ;  2d.  for  every 
entire  English  cloth  of  whatever  colour  ;  ^d.  for  every  entire 
(Irish  cloth)  ;  ^d.  for  every  cloak  ;  /[d.  for  every  tun  of  wine  ; 
4d.  for  every  hundred  (of  iron)  ;  4d.  for  every  hundred  of 
canvas  ;  ^d.  for  every  salmon  ;  ^d.  for  every  lamprey  ;  id. 
for  every  (weigh  of  grease,  tallow)  butter  and  cheese  ;  id. 
for  everv  cart  load  of  tan  dust;  y.  for  every  hundred  of  boards 


1  See  original  in   Transcripts  of  Charters  and  Privileges  to  Cities^ 
Towns,  etc.      iSSo.    Hodges,  Figgis  &  Co. 


CIVIL   AFFAIRS   OF  THE  COUNTRY.  2I5 

for  sale;  hd.  for  every  cart  load  of  (great)  timber;  y.  for  every 
cart  load  of  wood  ;  ^d.  for  every  stone  of  flocks  and  large 
thread  ;  4^.  for  every  hundred  of  wax  ;  id.  for  every  load 
of  honey  ;  4d.  (for  every  hundred  of  lead  or  tin)  ;  2d.  for  every 
hundred  of  verdigris  or  of  whatsoever  colour  ;  ^d.  (for  every 
thousand  cups)  ;  i^.  for  every  mease  of  herrings  ;  hd.  for  every 
load  of  fish,  sea,  fresh,  or  salt  ;  hd.  for  every  thousand  nails 
whatsoever  ;  id.  for  every  hundred  of  horse  shoes  and  clouts 
for  carts  ;  |f/.  for  every  hundred  of  steel  ;  id.  for  every  hundred 
of  dried  fish  ;  ^d.  for  every  hundred  of  eels  ;  ^d.  for  every 
stone  of  hemp  ;  id.  for  every  hundred  of  teasles  ;  4^.  for  every 
hundred  of  kitchen  ware  of  brass,  or  copper,  wrought,  or 
not  wrought  ;  hd.  for  every  pair  of  wheels  for  carts  ;  and 
M.  for  every  2s.  worth  of  merchandise  of  any  kind  not 
specified  in  these  letters. 

And,  therefore,  we  command  you,  that  from  the  said 
feast  of  St.  ]\Iary  INIagdalen,  up  to  the  end  of  three  years 
ensuing,  fully  to  be  completed,  you  take  the  customs  afore- 
said, as  is  aforesaid,  and  when  that  term  has  been  com- 
pleted (and  ended),  the  said  customs  shall  immediately 
cease  and  be  non-existant. 

In  testimony  whereof,  and  witness,  John  Wogan,  at 
Dublin,  loth  July,  III.  or  IV.  of  Edward  II.  (1309  or  1310) 
At  the  same  time  a  similar  grant  was  made  to  Croom. 
In  1312,^  John  visited  Munster  at  the  head  of  a  great 
arm\-  to  quell  the  disturbances  that  had  broken  out 
there.  On  his  march  he  stayed  at  Adare,  where  he  gave 
a  magnificent  banquet,  and  conferred  knighthood  on 
Nicholas  Fitzmaurice,  third  lord  of  Kerry,  and  Robert 
Clonkull,  for  their  good  services  to  the  State. 

When  Edward  heard  of  the  Bruce  invasion  in  1315,2 
he  sent  an  envoy  to  Ireland,  with  instructions  to  get 
the  leading  men  of  the  English  colony  to  sign  a  form 
of  allegiance.      The    name   of   John   Fitzthomas  stands 


1  Glyn's  Annals. 
~  Gilbert's    Viceroys. 


2l6  DIOCESE    OF   LI.MERICKJ 

first  in  the  list  of  signatures,  there  are  also  the  names 
of  Maurice,  representative  of  the  house  of  Desmond, 
Richard  de  Clare,  and  Maurice  Rocheford,  of  the  manor 
of  Tobbernea,  attached  to  this  document. 

In  13 16,  John  received  the  title  of  Earl  of  Kildare 
for  his  faithful  services  to  the  Crown,  but  did  not  live 
long  to  enjoy  the  honour,  as  he  died  the  same  year  at 
Maynooth,  and  was  interred  in  the  Grev  Abbey  at 
Kildare. 

The  dc  Clares. 

The  vast  estates  of  Tliomas  de  Clare  were  taken 
possession  of  by  the  crown,  and  leased  out  to  the  Countess 
of  Gloucester,  during  the  minority  of  his  son  and  heir, 
Gilbert.  In  1299  the  king  was  pleased  to  grant  these 
estates  to  Gilbert,  though  he  had  not  yet  reached  his 
majority. 

1302.  A  few  years  afterwards,  however,  the  king 
ordered  him  to  prove  his  age  before  the  justiciary  and  the 
chancellor.  This  enquiry  was  held  at  Cashel,  Maurice 
Rocheford  acting  as  locum  tenens  for  the  justiciary,  and 
John  Cantock  for  the  chancellor. 

Accordingly  witnesses  were  examined  to  prove  that 
Gilbert^  was  now  over  age.  Sir  Maurice  de  Lees  was 
first  sworn  and  separately  examined.  He  said  that 
Gilbert  was  born  at  Limerick,  and  baptized  in  the 
cathedral  by  Gerald,  then  bishop,  on  the  3rd  of  February, 
1281.  When  asked  how  he  could  speak  with  such 
certainty  regarding  Gilbert's  age,  he  replied  because  he 
was  a  member  of  the  household  of  Thomas  the  father 
of  Gilbert  on  the  day  when  he  was  born,  and  remained 
until  August  29th,  1287,  on  wliich  day  Thomas  died. 
Gilbert  was  then  six  j^^ears  of  age.  A  great  many  more 
witnesses  were   examined,   and  they   all    testified  that 

iSee  S.C.IJ.I.  for  these  particulars  relating  to  Gilbert. 


CIVIL    AFFAIRS    OF    THE    COUNTRY.  21/ 

Gilbert  was  over  21  years  of  age.  In  the  following 
March  he  was  recognized  by  the  king,  w^ho  took  his  homage 
for  all  the  lands  his  father  held  in  Ireland  at  the  time  of 
his  death,  and  now  being  of  age,  they  were  formally 
restored   to   him. 

In  1306  Gilbert  got  licence  to  remain  in  England  for 
two  years,  William  de  Edenham  and  John  de  Brnmlec, 
acting  as  attorneys  for  him.  In  1307  the  king  gave  him 
a  respite  for  all  debts  owed  to  the  exchequer,  as  he  was 
about  going  into  Scotland  with  his  cousin  Gilbert,  Earl 
of  Gloucester, 

In  the  older  annals  of  Innisfallen  his  death  is  briefly 
recorded  as  taking  place  in  the  year  1308.  Next  year 
his  widow,  Isabella,  got  a  dower  from  the  king.  Gilbert 
was  succeeded  by  his  brother,  Richard,  who  settled 
down  in  the  manor  of  Bunratty,  and  like  his  father, 
commenced  a  feud  with  the  O'Briens,  which  ended  in 
bimself,  his  son,  and  some  valiant  knights  being  slain 
at  Dysert  O'Dea,  1318,  thereby  putting  an  end  to  Enghsh 
rule  in  Thomond  for  many  a  year. 

The  pedigree  of  the  White  Knight,  as  published  in  the 
Journal  of  the  Royal  Societ}'-  of  Antiquaries,'  traces 
him  back  to  a  Gilbert,  eldest  son  of  John  Fitzthomas, 
who  was  slain  at  Callan  1266,  and  his  second  wife, 
Honora  O'Conor,  daughter  of  the  King  of  Connaught. 
The  other  sons  of  this  marriage  also  received  titles,  the 
second  being  made  Knight  of  Ghn,  the  third  Knight 
of  Kerry,  and  the  fourth  received  Clenglish  (Killeedy)  as 
his   portion. 

When  this  Gilbert  arrived  at  man's  estate  he  re- 
ceived from  his  nephew,  heir  of  the  house  of  Desmond, 
the  manor  of  Mahoonagh  and  other  adjoining  lands 
about  the  year  1295.  He  then  married  Ellen,  daughter 
of  ]\IacCarthy,   thereby   uniting  in  bonds  of  friendship, 

1  See  Jou)'.  of  R.S.A.I.,  4th  series,  vol.  v.  (1879-1882). 


2l8  niOCESE    OF    LIMERICKJ 

two  houses  that  had  hitherto  been  enemies.  This  union 
was  blessed  with  two  sons,  Maurice  and  Gilbert  or 
Gibbon,  as  he  was  called  by  the  Irish,  from  whom  was 
descended  the  Fitzgibbons  of  Mahoonagh,  a  name  still 
flourishing  in  that  locality. 

Maurice  was  knighted  by  Edward  III  in  Scotland 
for  his  achievements  against  the  Scots  in  1333.  He 
died  in  1357,  and  was  buried  in  Kilmallock.  He  is  set 
down  as  the  first  White  Knight,  and  the  genealogy  of  the 
family  is  traced  down  to  the  last  and  shameless  bearer 
of  that  title,  who  sold  his  kith  and  kin  for  /i,ooo  to  the 
enemy.  This  pedigree,  though  plausible,  cannot  stand 
the  test  of  contemporary  history,  which  unfolds  another 
and  more  reliable  account  of  the  origin  of  the  famih'. 
We  have  seen  that  Thomas  de  Clare  held  the  manor 
of  Mahoonagh,  and  that  it  passed  to  his  son  Gilbert, 
who  was  in  possession  of  it  at  the  time  of  his  death  in 
the  year  1308.  His  wife,  and  doubtless  his  children, 
lived  in  the  County  Limerick,  as  she  appears  as  plaintiff 
in  a  lawsuit  against  Robert  de  Wall  on  a  plea  of  account 
for  the  time  he  was  Gilbert's  bailiff,  in  the  manors  of 
Youghal,  Inchecoyn  (near  Youghal),  Candlestown,  Any 
(Knockainey),  Iniskyfty  (Askeaton),  Mountauenach 
(Mahoonagh),  Bonrat  (Bunratty),  and  Ardrayny.  The 
history  of  the  family,  like  that  of  most  other  southern 
families,  became  obscured  by  the  sudden  rise  of  the  house 
of  Desmond. 

The  Gilbert  who  would  correspond  with  the  Gilbert 
mentioned  in  tlie  above  quoted  pedigree,  w^ould  be  no 
other  than  Gilbert  de  Clare  who  is  erroneously  set  down 
as  a  son  of  John  of  Callan,  and  such  a  mistake  may  easily 
arise,  as  his  mother  was  a  Geraldine,  being  a  daughter 
of  Maurice  Fitzgerald  of  the  Kildare  branch. 

The  inquisition  1    taken  at    Kilmallock    in    the   3'ear 

1  See  Jour,  of  R.S.A.I.,  4th  series,  vol.  v. 


CIVIL  AFFAIRS   OF  THE  COUNTRY.  219 

1582,  concerning  the  property  of  the  then  White  Knight, 
confirms  tliis  view.  It  is  stated  that  the  following  lands 
in  the  county  of  Limerick  were  released  by  the  White 
Knight  to  James,  fifteenth  Earl  of  Desmond,  viz.  : — 
the  manor  of  Meane  which  the  Fitzgibbon  received  from 
William  Capellani,  no  doubt  a  descendant  of  the  free 
tenant  who  held  that  townland  with  Gerbaly  (now  Gar- 
bally)  in  the  manor  of  Mahoonagh,  at  the  time  of 
Thomas  de  Clare's  death.  The  land  of  Croman  was  also 
in  that  manor.  Part  of  the  town  and  lands  of  Ballin- 
garry  was  in  the  manor  of  Corcomohide.  The  short 
castle  of  Askeaton,  etc.  All  the  lands  mentioned  were 
in  the  manors  held  by  Gilbert,  a  fact  which  proves 
that  the  White  Knight  inherited  them  from  his 
ancestor,  who,  as  has  been  already  shown,  was  no  other 
than  Gilbert  de  Clare. 

The  House  of  Desmond. 
The  heir  of  the  house  of  Desmond  at  the  beginning 
of  this  century  was  found  to  be  ten  years  i  of  age.  All 
his  manors  were  in  the  custody  of  the  Crown,  and 
leased  out  to  suitable  tenants  during  the  minority. 
Newcastle  West  and  some  other  lands,  were  granted  by 
the  king,  to  Gerard  Doronis,  who  relet  them  to  Sir  John 
Barry  of  Barryroe.  Thomas,  the  minor,  died  in  1307, 
and  was  succeeded  by  his  brother,  Maurice,  who  reached 
his  majority  in  the  year  13 15. 

Robert  Bruce  broke  the  English  power  in  Scotland 
at  the  famous  battle  of  Bannockburn  in  the  preceding 
year.  The  news  soon  spread  through  Ireland,  and  gave 
fresh  energy  to  the  Gael  to  shake  off  the  English  yoke. 

They  invited  Edward  Bruce,  younger  brother  of  the 
king  of  Scotland  to  become  their  king.  In  response  to 
the  invitation    he  landed  in  Ireland  in  the  year  1315 

1  See   S.C.D.I. 


'220  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

with  six  tliousand  troops.  He  was  immediately  joined 
by  the  northern  Gael  and  some  influential  lords  of  the 
English  colony.  In  the  spring  of  the  following  year 
he  marched  through  Ireland  with  a  powerful  army, 
coming  south  through  Castle  Connell  as  far  as  the  walls 
of    Limerick. 

Edward  Butler,  the  justiciary, ^  Richard  de  Clare,  the 
Cantentons,  and  others  assembled  at  Ledin  or  Lodyn 
(now  Ludden)  to  watch  the  progress  of  the  invading 
army,  but  carefully  avoided  an  encounter.  The  assembled 
army  remained  here  for  some  time  after  Bruce  left  the 
locality,  and  Richard  de  Clare  sent  his  bailiff  to  seize 
eighty  cows  in  his  neighbouring  manor  of  Ainy  for  the 
maintenance  of  the  army. 

The  leaders  of  the  forces  then  went  to  a  parliament, 
specially  summoned  to  discuss  the  situation,  but  it 
broke  up  without  adopting  any  definite  policy.  De 
Clare  spent  the  following  winter  at  Cork,  being  suspected 
by  many  of  having  private  dealings  with  Bruce,  though 
the  king  cancelled  a  debt  of  /i,ooo  which  he  owed  the 
exchequer.  In  the  spring  of  1318  he  returned  to  Bun- 
ratty,  and  met  his  fate  as  already  related.  The  Bruce 
invasion  lasted  only  a  few  years,  but  during  that  short 
time  the  Anglo-Norman  colony  was  utterly  demoralised, 
and  the  Government  lost  that  dominant  power  which 
was  so  conspicuous  towards  the  close  of  the  last  century. 

Young  Maurice,  of  the  house  of  Desmond,  also  dis- 
tinguished himself  in  the  service  of  the  Crown  during 
these  eventful  years,  though  at  the  commencement  of 
the  outbreak  the  Donegans  of  Rathkeale  burned  New- 
castle (West)  which  detained  him  for  a  time  from 
joining  the  Government  troops.2     He  kept  a  large  army 


1  "  Normans  in  Thomond,"  Joiiy.  of  R.S.A.I.,  vol.  i.,    5th  series,  by 
T,  J.  Westropp. 

2  Plea  Rolls.  134  of  Ed.  XL,  44. 


CIVIL   AFFAIRS    OF   THE    COUNTRY.  221 

on  the  field  without  a  subsidy  to  maintain  them,  under 
the  circumstances,  he  was  compelled  to  have  recourse 
to  the  old  Irish  custom  of  levying  "  Coigne  and  Livery" 
which  meant  exacting  food  for  men  and  horses  as  well 
as  money  from  the  inhabitants  of  the  country  at  the 
Vv'ill  and  pleasure  of  the  lord.  This  custom  was  con- 
demned at  the  Synod  of  Cashel.  When  revived  by 
Maurice  it  became  very  oppressive. 

In  '  a  short  time  it  banished  the  greatest  part  of  the  free- 
holders out  of  the  counties  of  Kerry,  Limerick,  Cork,Waterford, 
into  whose  possessions  Desmond,  and  his  kinsmen,  alhes 
and  followers,  which  were  then  more  Irish  than  English, 
'did  enter  and  appropriate  these  lands  unto  themselves. 
Desmond  himself  taking  what  scopes  he  liked  best  for  his 
demesnes  in  every  country,  and  reserving  an  Irish  superiority 
out  of  the  rest.  ...  So  that  he  suddenly  grew  from 
a  mean  to  a  mighty  estate.  .  .  .  These  possessions  being, 
thus  unlawfully  gotten  could  not  be  maintained  by  the  just 
and  honorable  law  of  England,  which  would  have  restored 
the  true  owners  to  their  land  again.  And  therefore  this 
great  man  found  no  means  to  continue  and  uphold  his 
ill  purchased  greatness,  but  by  neglecting  the  English  law 
and  government,  and  assuming  in  lieu  thereof  the  barbarous 
customs  of  the  Irish.  And  hereupon  followed  the  defection 
of  those  four  shires  containing  the  greatest  part  of  Munster 
from  the  obedience  of  the  law. 

At  a  public  assembly,  Baron  Maurice  le  Poer^ 
insulted  Maurice  by  calling  him  a  rhymer,  the  English 
term  for  an  Irish  bard.  This  led  to  a  fierce  conflict 
between  the  two  families,  other  nobles  took  sides  in  the 
quarrel  which  was  finally  brought  to  an  amicable 
settlement  by  the  intervention  of  the  Viceroy.  In  the 
year  1229  ^  he   was    rewarded    for    his    services    to    the 

1  Hist.  Tracts  by  Sir  Johu  Davis  ;  Dublin  edition,  17S7,  pp.  142-44^ 

2  See  Gilbert's  Viceroys. 

3  Lodge,  vol.  i.  ;  Lynch,  Legal  Institutions,  etc. 


222  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

Government,  by  having  conferred  on  him  the  title  of 
Earl  of  Desmond,  with  the  county  Palatine  of  Kerry 
to  be  held  of  the  crown  of  England. 

This  court  Palatine  gave  great  power  to  the  newly 
created  Earl  as  : — 

Those  1  absolute  Palatines  made  barons  and  knights,  did 
exercise  high  justice  in  all  points  within  their  territories, 
erected  courts  for  criminal  and  civil  causes,  and  for  their 
own  revenues  ;  in  the  same  form  as  the  king's  courts  were 
established  in  Dublin  ;  so  made  their  own  judges,  seneschals, 
sheriffs,  coroners,  and  escheators  ;  so  as  the  king's  writ  did 
not  run  in  those  counties  (which  took  up  more  than  two 
parts  of  the  English  colonies),  but  only  in  church  lands  lying 
within  the  same,  which  were  called  the  "  cross,"  wherein 
the  king  made  a  sheriff,  and  so  in  each  of  these  counties 
palatine  there  were  two  sheriffs,  one  of  the  liberty  and  one 
of  the  cross.     .     .     . 

These  great  undertakers  were  not  tied  to  any  form  of 
plantation,  but  all  were  left  to  their  discretion  and  pleasure. 
And  although  they  built  castles  and  made  freeholders,  yet 
were  there  no  tenures  or  services  reserved  to  the  Crown  ; 
but  the  lords  drew  all  the  respect  and  dependence  of  the 
common  people  unto  themselves. 

In  1330,  Darcy,  the  viceroy,  being  unable  to  subdue 
the  native  Leinster  septs,  by  the  advice  of  the  Council 
sought  the  aid  of  the  Earl  of  Desmond,  promising 
in  the  name  of  the  king  to  pay  the  wages  of  the  troops. 

The  Earl  accepted  the  invitation,  and  marched  into 
Leinster,  with  his  ally  O'Brien,  at  the  head  of  a  large 
army  of  native  Irish,  and  soon  quelled  the  disturbances 
that  were  created  by  the  turbulent  septs. 

The  Gaels  became  active  about  this  time  in  the 
South,  and  the  lords  of  the  colony  led  their  combined 
forces  southward  to  suppress  them.     During  the  march 

1  Historical  Tracts,  Davis,  pp.  107-9. 


CIVIL   AFFAIRS    OF   THE    COUNTRY.  223 

violent  contentions  arose  between  the  Earls  of  Ulster 
and  Desmond,  so  that  the  viceroy  was  compelled  to 
imprison  both  earls  in  Limerick,  from  which  the  latter 
effected  his  escape. 

Darcy  being  unable  to  supply  the  money  for  the 
maintenance  of  Desmond's  troops  according  to  agree- 
ment, allowed  him  to  have  recourse  to  the  methods 
practised  during  the  Bruce  invasion,  thereby  giving  a 
legal  sanction  to  "  Coigne  and  Livery,"  which  from 
thenceforward  became  the  common  practice  of  the 
house  of  Desmond.  In  time  their  conduct  was  imitated 
by  other  lords  of  the  colony.  The  Earl  now  openly 
adopted  the  manners  and  customs  of  the  Irish,  and 
assumed  the  regal  splendour  of  a  petty  king  among  his 
subjects,  still  keeping  in  touch  with  the  government  as 
it  suited  his  purpose. 

In  133 1,  Anthony  de  Lucy  arrived  in  Ireland  as 
viceroy.  He  seized  the  Earl  of  Desmond  and  other 
lords,  and  imprisoned  them  on  the  suspicion  that  they 
were  secretly  aiding  the  Irish  who  were  annoying  the 
colonists.  After  being  kept  in  prison  for  eight  months 
the  earl  was  liberated  at  the  supplication  of  the  clergy, 
magnates  and  commons  of  Ireland.  At  a  full  parliament 
held  in  Dublin,  the  leading  nobles  of  the  colonists  went 
bail  for  the  earl's  good  behaviour  in  future.  The  earl 
at  the  same  time  gave  in  his  hostages  at  Newcastle 
West.  After  his  liberation  he  was  summoned  to  attend 
the  king  in  Scotland,  and  later  on  to  assist  him  in  his 
French  wars. 

In  1336,  a  representation  was  made  to  the  king  that 
the  estates  of  the  wealthiest  of  the  Anglo-Norman  lords 
should  be  retaken  into  the  king's  possession,  as  this 
action  would  have  the  effect  of  making  them  more 
amenable  to  authority,  and  that  the  country  would  be 
better  governed  by  native  Englishmen  than  by  Irish 
or  English  having  estates  in  Ireland.     The  king  issued 


224  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

instructions  on  these  points.  The  Anglo-Norman  lords 
saw  plainly  that  these  suggestions  were  made  to  the 
king  by  needy  adventurers  who  were  flocking  into  the 
country  eager  to  acquire  wealth  at  the  expense  of  the 
older  colonists.  Feeling  ran  high,  and  to  appease  popular 
sentiment,  Sir  John  Maurice,  the  justiciary,  called  a 
parliament. 

The  Earl  of  Desmond  being  indignant  at  these  pro- 
ceedings caUed  all  the  nobles  of  the  colony  together 
at  Kilkenny,  and  drew  up  a  remonstrance,  which  the}^ 
presented  to  the  king  who  received  it  graciously.  As 
a  result  of  this  petition,  Maurice  was  recalled,  and  the 
Earl  of  Ulster  appointed  in  his  place.  A  few  years 
later.  Sir  John  Ufford  came  to  Ireland  as  justiciary, 
determined  to  punish  the  Earl  of  Desmond  for  the  stand 
he  took  against  Sir  John  Maurice.  To  put  his  plans 
in  force  with  a  show  of  decorum,  he  called  a  parliament, 
which  the  earl  was  wise  enough  not  to  attend.  Ufford 
then  assembled  a  large  army,  and  marched  into  Munster 
to  chastise  the  earl  for  his  disobedience. 

He  captured  Askeaton  Castle,  then  proceeded  to  Kerry,, 
and  laid  siege  to  Castle  Island,  which  offered  a  determined 
resistance,  but  after  a  fortnight's  siege  was  forced  to 
surrender.  The  earl's  knights  Eustace  le  Poer,  Baron  of 
Kenhs  in  Ossory,  and  William  le  Grant,  who  defended 
the  castle,  were  hanged  ;  the  earl's  seneschal,  JohnCoterel, 
was  seized,  and  having  been  tried  for  various  tyrannical 
acts  and  found  guilty,  he  was  hanged,  cut  down,  and  his 
intestines  burned,  his  head  severed  from  his  body,  and 
his  limbs  set  up  as  a  public  example  in  different  parts 
of  the  province.  Ufford  next  proceeded  against  these 
nobles  who  went  bail  for  the  earl's  good  behaviour 
twelve  years  before,  and  confiscated  their  lands  and 
possessions. 

Desmond  did  not  submit  quietly  to  such  treatment 
but  repaired  to  England  and  pleaded  his  case  before 


CIVIL    AFFAIRS   OF   THE    COUNTRY.  225 

the  king,  who  gave  him  ample  satisfaction.!  Not  only 
was  he  himself  restored  to  his  estates,  but  those  also 
who  went  security  for  him  and  whose  lands  were  con- 
fiscated by  Ufford.  The  earl  was  then  appointed 
viceroy,  and  during  his  term  of  office  the  country  en- 
joyed tranquillity.  He  died  at  Dublin  Castle  in  the 
year  1355,  and  was  interred  in  the  Dominican  Church, 
Tralee.  He  was  married  three  times,  first  in  1312,  to 
Margaret,  fifth  daughter  of  Richard,  Earl  of  Ulster,  and 
by  her,  who  died  in  1331,  he  had  Maurice  and  John.  His 
second  wife  was  Margaret,  daughter  of  Conor  O'Brien, 
Prince  of  Thomond,  by  whom  he  had  no  male  issue, 
and  his  third  was  Eleanor,  daughter  of  Nicholas,  Lord 
of  Kerry,  by  whom  he  had  two  sons,  Nicholas  and  Gerald. 
In  other  accounts  of  the  family  John  is  placed  last,  and 
did  not  succeed  to  the  earldom. 

Maurice  succeeded  as  second  earl,  and  enjoyed  "the 
title  and  estates  until  his  death  which  took  place 
suddenly  at  Castlemaine  in  the  year  1368.  He  was 
buried  at  Tralee  in  the  ancestral  vault.  He  left  no 
issue  by  his  wife  Beatrice.  The  next  brother,  Nicholas, 
being  an  idiot,  Edward  HI,  in  the  year  1360,  granted 
to  Gerald  the  younger  brother  the  custody  of  the  family 
estates,  and  also  licence  to  marry  Emicia,  daughter  of 
the  Earl  of  Ormonde. 

During  the  incapacity  of  Nicholas,  he  was  virtually 
Earl  of  Desmond,  discharging  all  the  duties  attached  to 
the  title.  When  Nicholas  died  he  became  the  Earl  of 
Desmond,  and  as  such  was  appointed  justiciary  in  the 
year  1367,  immediately  after  the  famous  Statute  of 
Kilkenny  had  come  into  force  among  the  colonists. 

This  statute  was  specially  formed  with  a  view  of  pre- 
serving the  English  language  and  customs  among  the 
colonists,  a  great  many  of  whom  had  at  this  time  become 

1  Lodge,  vol.  i. 


226  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

thoroughly  Irish  in  manners  and  habits.  The  govern- 
ment clearly  saw  that  if  this  state  of  things  was  allowed 
to  continue  their  distinctive  marks  of  nationality 
would  entirely  disappear.  A  synopsis  of  these  laws 
is  inserted  here  as  they  have  an  important  bearing  in 
the  future  history  of  the  diocese,  which  formed  a  part 
of  the  country  to  which  they  applied.  This  statute 
forbade!  : — 

Alliances  by  marriage/ gossipred,  fostering  of  children, 
or  other  connections  between  English  and  Irish,  or 
setting  to  the  latter,  in  time  of  peace  or  war,  horses, 
armour,  victuals,  were  declared  treasonable  acts. 
All  English  or  Irish  living  amongst  them  were  to  use 
the  English  language,  be  called  by  English  names,  to 
follow  the  English  customs,  and  not  to  ride  otherwise 
than  in  saddles  in  the  English  fashion.  If  ecclesiastics 
living  among  the  English  did  not  use  the  English  language, 
the  profits  of  their  benefices  were  to  be  seized  by  their 
superiors.  The  English  should  not  use  Brehon  law  for 
settling  their  disputes,  or  the  law  used  in  the  "  marches  " 
or  borders.  That  no  Irishman  should  be  admitted  into 
any  cathedral,  collegiate  church,  or  benefice,  and  that 
the  religious  houses  should  not  receive  Irishmen  into 
their  profession.  That  the  English  should  neither 
admit  nor  make  gifts  to  Irish  musicians,  story  tellers  or 
rhymers,  who  might  act  as  spies  or  agents.  That  the 
dwellers  on  the  borders  should  not  hold  parleys  or  make 
treaties  with  the  hostile  Irish  or  Enghsh,  without  per- 
mission. That  differences  should  not  be  made  between 
the  English  born  in  England  and  the  English  born  in 
Ireland  by  calhng  the  former  "  Enghsh  hobbies  "  or 
clowns,  and  the  latter  ''  Irish  dogs."  That  the  common 
people  dwelling   on  the  hostile  border  should  not   use 

1  See  Tracts  relating  to  Ireland,  Irish  Arch.  Society. 


CIVIL    AFFAIRS   OF   THE   COUNTRY.  22/ 

plays  called  hurlings  or  quoitings  which  caused  evils 
and  mains,  but  should  accustom  themselves  to  draw 
bows  and  cast  lances.  Then  follow  a  series  of  laws 
regulating  the  internal  government  of  the  colony.  The 
penalties  of  death,  imprisonment,  and  forfeiture  of 
property  were  decreed  against  the  violaters  of  them. 
A  commission  was  appointed  to  hold  enquiries  twice  a 
year  to  see  that  the  provision  of  this  statute  were  carried 
out. 

In  1365,  Torlogh  O'Brien  i  became  King  of  Thomond. 
but  did  not  enjoy  the  honour  very  long,  as  he  was 
banished  in  less  than  three  years  by  his  nephew,  Brian 
"  Catha  an  Aonaigh,"  or  Brian  of  the  battle  of  Monaster- 
nenagh.  Torlogh  fled  for  protection  to  the  Earl  of 
Desmond,  who  espoused  his  cause,  and  immediately 
gathered  a  great  army  to  reinstate  him  in  his  kingdom. 
Brian  hearing  of  these  hostile  preparations  hastened 
into  the  County  Limerick,  and  at  Monasternenagh, 
1369,  encountered  and  defeated  the  earl's  army.  After 
the  battle  he  succeeded  in  making  prisoners  of  the  earl 
himself,  John  Fitzthomas,  and  Sir  Thomas  Fitzjohn, 
who  sought  refuge  in  the  monastery .2 

About  this  period  O'Brien  became  aggressive,  and 
was  accustomed  to  make  occasional  incursions  into  the 
county  of  Limerick.  The  government  being  pressed 
on  all  sides  by  the  "  Irish  enemy,"  had  to  secure  the 
services  of  another  Clare  man,  MacNamara,  who  raised 
a  body  of  troops,  and  spent  the  early  part  of  the  year 
1374  defending  the  liegemen  of  Limerick,  and  making 
very  successful  sallies  against  O'Brien,  and  killing  many 
of  his  men,  for  which   he  received  80  marks  as  a  reward. 

1388.  As  years  went  by  Gerald  became  more  wedded 

1  Donohue,  Memoir  of  the  O'Briens. 

2  See  p.  34,  Statute  of  Kilkenny,  Tracts  relating  to  Ireland,  Irish 
Arch.  Society. 


228  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

to  the  Irish  manners  and  customs,  so  much  so,  that  he 
apphed  for  hcence  to  allow  his  son,  James,  to  be  brought 
up   among  the   O'Briens   of  Thomond,  notwithstanding 
the    recent    statute    of    Kilkenny.     The    request    was 
granted  and  runs  as  follows  : — 

The  King  ^  having  been  credibly  informed  of  the  constant 
good  repute  which  Gerald  Fitzmaurice,  Earl  of  Desmond,, 
held  and  supported,  above  all  others,  of  this  part  of  Ireland,, 
for  fidelity  to  him  and  his  liege  subjects  in  Munster,  and  on 
that  account,  and  for  the  better  preserving  the  peace  and 
the  said  liege  people  for  the  future,  being  willing  to  show 
him  favour,  did,  at  his  request,  grant  him  licence  to  send  his 
son,  James,  to  Conor  O'Brien  of  Thomond,  an  Irishman, 
to  be  brought  up  or  educated,  and  there  remain  as  long  as 
he  should  think  fit,  notwithstanding  any  statute  made  to 
the  contrary. 

Gerald  was  a  nobleman  of  brilliant  parts.  He  was 
styled  "  the  poet,"  and  from  his  great  learning  was 
generally  regarded  as  a  magician.  Some  fragments  of 
Anglo-Norman  verse,  entitled  the  "  Proverbs  of  the  Earl 
of  Desmond,"  still  exist.  Towards  his  closing  years 
the  county  became  very  disturbed,  in  fact  it  is  set  down 
in  the  Council  Book  of  Richard  II  as  paying  no  govern- 
ment tax,  and  the  reason  alleged,  that  it  was  in  rebellion. 
This  great  man  died  in  the  year  1398,  "  after  the  victory 
of  Penance,"  though  Lodge  states  "  that  he  went  away 
out  of  his  camp  or  was  privately  murdered  about  the 
Island  of  Kerry,  being  never  heard  of  more."  The 
O'Clery  pedigree  states  that  he  died  at  Newcastle  West.  2 

The  native  annalists  3  describe  him  as  "  a  nobleman  of 
wonderful  bounty,  mirth,  cheerfulness  in  conversation, 


1  See  O'Donohue,  Memoir  of  the  O'Briens,  p.   139;     also  Patent 
Rolls.   1 2th,  Richard  II. 

2  See  Jour,  of  R.S.A.,  vol.  v.,  4th  series. 

3  Anns.  Four  Masters,  year  1398. 


CIVIL   AFFAIRS    OF    THE   COUNTRY.  229 

charitable  in  his  deeds,  easy  of  access,  a  witty  and 
ingenious  composer  of  Irish  poetry,  a  learned  and 
profound  chronicler,  in  fine,  one  of  the  English  nobility 
that  had  Irish  learning  and  professors  thereof  in  the 
greatest  reverence  of  all  the  English  of  Ireland." 

He  lived  long  in  the  legends  of  the  people,  according 
to  which  he  once  in  the  seven  years  revisited  his  castle 
at  Lough  Gur.  He  left  two  sons  by  his  marriage  with 
the  Earl  of  Ormonde's  daughter,  John  and  James,  who 
succeeded  in  turn  to  the  earldom. 

1399.  John  became  earl  immediately  after  his  father's 
death,  but  v/as  drowned  the  next  year  in  the  Suir  at 
Ardfinnan,  South  Tipperary,  and  with  him  ends  the 
family  history  of  this  century. 

The  other  Magnates  of  the  County. 

We  now  return  to  trace  the  fortunes  of  the  other 
Anglo-Norman  families  that  flourished  in  the  beginning 
of  this  century. 

When  the  house  of  Desmond  became  ascendant 
after  the  Bruce  invasion,  owing  to  its  active  and  able 
representatives,  the  other  families  left  the  country  or 
sunk  into  the  rank  of  freeholders  or  vassals  to  the  Earls 
of  Desmond,  as  the  scramble  for  the  spoils  of  anarchy 
meant  the  survival  of  the  fittest.  The  Kildare  family 
of  the  Geraldines,  though  residing  in  the  vicinity  of 
Dublin,  paid  close  attention  to  their  Limerick  property. 

Thomas,  the  second  earl  of  that  noble  house,  a  prudent 
and  wise  man,  died  in  1329.  The  following  year  his 
widow  married  Sir  John  Darcy,  who  got  a  grant  from 
the  Crown  of  the  manors  of  Adare,  Croom,  Estgrene,  in 
the  county  of  Limerick,  during  the  minority  of  Maurice 
the  heir.  About  this  time  an  inquisition  was  taken 
regarding  the  manor  of  Adare  and  neighbouring  lands.i 

1  See  Monorials  of  Adare. 


230  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

The  jury  on  their  oath  state  that  there  was  at  Adare 
a  castle  in  which  there  is  a  hall,  a  chapel  with  stone 
walls  covered  with  thatch,  a  tower  covered  with  planks, 
a  kitchen  covered  with  slates,  a  chamber,  near  the 
stone  part,  covered  with  thatch,  the  casement  of  which 
is  not  surveyed  at  any  price,  because  no  one  is  willing 
to  hire  them  on  account  of  the  cost  of  keeping  them  up. 

They  say  that  there  are  in  the  demesne  13  score 
and  19  acres  of  arable  land,  meadow,  and  pasture  in 
demesne  which  used  be  under  the  plough  of  the  lord 
there,  each  acre  of  which  used  to  be  worth,  in  times 
recently  past,  i2d.  per  year,  but  they  are  now  waste 
and  uncultivated,  on  account  of  the  war,  for  want  of 
tenants,  except  86  acres  and  a-half  and  one  shed  which 
are  now  cultivated  by  four  Englishmen,  tenants  there 
paying  for  each  acre  4^.  at  the  feast  of  St.  Michael  next 
following,  and  the  feast  of  St.  Michael,  to  be  levied 
from  each  acre  of  all  the  aforesaid  lands  at  4^.  per  year 
in  case  of  peace,  but  if  war  nothing. 

The  next  reference  to  this  town  occurs  in  the  year 
1376,  when  it  was  burned  down  and  totally  wasted  by 
the  Irish  enemy,  probably  in  one  of  the  O'Brien  raids 
already   alluded   to. 

Edward  III,i  to  recompense  the  townspeople,  made 
the  following  grant  in  their  favour  : — 

The  King  to  the  sheriffs  of  Limerick,  keeper  of  our  peace 
there,  our  baihffs,  servants,  and  collectors  of  our  subsidies 
and  other  taUiages,  which  now  are,  or  at  one  time  were,  in 
said  county  greeting.  Whereas  we  considering  after  what 
manner  the  town  of  Adare  was  burned,  destroyed,  and  laid 
waste  by  our  Irish  enemies,  that  said  town  may  be  better 
and  more  quickly  rebuilt  and  repaired  hence,  granted  to 
the  provost  and  commonalty  of  said  town,  that  they  should 
be  acquitted  from  ah  subsidies,  talliages,  and  other  service^ 

1  Memorials  of  Adare,  p.  10 1. 


CIVIL   AFFAIRS   OF   THE    COUNTRY.  23I 

customs,  and  other  impositions  whatsoever,  arising  within 
the  county  aforesaid,  until  the  town  should  be  fully  repaired 
and  rebuilt.  And  we,  willing  to  give  effect  to  this  our  grant, 
at  the  request  of  Maurice  Fitzthomas,  Earl  of  Kildare,  the 
Lord  of  said  town,  firmly  command  you  and  each  of  you, 
under  penalty  of  our  displeasure,  that  the  said  provost  and 
commonalty  should  not  be  compelled  or  destrained  upon 
to  contribute  to,  or  pay  these  subsidies  or  talliages  by  you 
imposed,  or  hereafter  to  be  imposed  upon  them,  or  to  con- 
tribute to  or  pay  any  other  services  customs  to  be  imposed 
in  said  county  until  said  town  be  fully  repaired  and  rebuilt, 
but  that  they  should  be  altogether  exonerated  and  dis- 
charged therefrom,  and  from  distress  should  there  be 
occasion. 

The  subsequent  history  of  this  town  and  surrounding 
country  is  little  known  to  the  time  of  the  Elizabethan 
wars,  though  it  remained  in  the  possession  of  the 
Kildare  family.  The  same  remark  applies  to  the 
greater  part  of  the  county  during  these  eventful 
years,  and  may  be  attributed  to  the  same  cause.  In 
this  century  the  Maltravers  still  held  the  manor  of 
Rathkeale,  as  we  find  John  Maltravers,  junior,  as  owner 
of  Rathkeale  and  Askeaton  in  the  year  1367,  but 
towards  the  close  of  the  century  they  passed  into  the 
possession  of  the  Earls  of  Desmond. 

The  Rocheforts  held  the  manor  of  Tobbernea,  at  least 
as  late  as  the  year  1418,  as  they  are  mentioned  in  that 
year  as  having  the  advowson  of  the  church  of  Effin. 

Sir  Thomas  de  Lees,  who  fell  at  the  battle  of  Dysert 
O'Dea,  was  probably  a  descendant  of  that  Thomas  de 
Lees  referred  to  as  retainer  of  Thomas  de  Clare,  held 
Garthbyboys  in  Limerick  from  Richard  de  Clare,  which 
one,  Thomas  de  Hampton,  was  ordered  by  the  king  to 
hold. 

Garthbyboys  was  also  the  name  of  a  church  in  the 
diocese    which    was    generallv    known    as    Garthe,  now 


232  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

Ballingarry.  This  must  be  the  place  De  Lees  held  of 
De  Clare  as  a  free  tenant,  it  being  situated  in  the  manor 
of  Corkomoyd.  In  confirmation  of  this  it  may  be  stated 
that  the  De  Lees  were  patrons  of  Balhngarry  in  the 
year  1418.  De  Lees  is  the  early  form  of  the  name 
De  Lacy,  which  appears  so  prominently  in  the  Eliza- 
bethan wars,  and  a  strong  branch  of  the  family  dwelt 
at   Ballingarry. 

"  The  Knight  of  Glyn  "  is  a  title  that  has  survived 
the  vicissitudes  of  time,  and  is  likely  to  continue  for 
years  to  come.  It  has  been  transmitted  by  Irish  usage 
rather  than  by  the  laws  of  chivalry,  as  it  was  a  strictly 
personal  honour  won  by  deeds  of  valour  and  daring  in 
the  field. 

The  first  of  the  family  that  occurs  in  history  is 
John  Fitzjohn,  who  held  half  a  tuath  of  land  at  Glan- 
corby  (Glyn)  in  the  manor  of  Shanid  in  1298,  as  we  have 
already  seen.  The  next  reference  to  the  family  occurs 
in  1346,1  when  Thomas  Fitzjohn  of  the  Glyn  and  John 
Fitzdavid  were  appointed  keepers  of  the  peace  in  parts 
of  O'Conyl  (Connelloe)  in  the  county  of  Limerick,  with 
power  to  assess  and  to  array  men  for  the  defence  of  the 
marches,  levying  for  every  man  at  arms  i2d.,  for  every 
hobellar  6d.,  and  for  every  footman  2d.  per  day.  He 
is  evidently  the  same  Thomas  Fitzjohn  that  was  captured 
with  the  Earl  of  Desmond  at  Monasternenagh  by  O'Brien 
in  1369,  and  styled  by  the  annahst  Sir  Thomas  Fitzjohn. 
In  the  meantime  he  may  have  been  raised  to  the  dignity 
of  a  knight  by  one  of  the  viceroys,  or  by  the  Earl  of 
Desmond,  as  he  appears  to  be  one  of  the  chief  vassals 
and  most  strenuous  supporters  of  the  latter,  and  had  a 
splendid  opportunity  in  those  troubled  times  of  winning 
such  an  honour  from  his  master.  This  is  further  con- 
firmed by  the  following  entry  in  the  Annals  of  the  Four 

i  Patent  Roll,  20th  of  Edward  III,  dated  Kilmallock. 


CIVIL   AFFAIRS   OF  THE    COUNTRY.  233 

Masters  under  the  year  1503,  viz.:  "The  Knight  of 
Glyn  died,  namely  Edmond,  son  of  Thomas,  son  of 
PhiUp,  son  of  John,  son  of  the  Knight."  Allowing 
thirty  years  for  a  generation,  this  pedigree  would  take 
the  family  back  to  the  above  mentioned  Thomas,  who 
was  the  first  that  bore  the  title. 

The  other  manorial  lords  and  many  of  the  free  tenants 
mentioned  in  the  previous  century,  though  very  seldom 
referred  to  in  any  documents  that  have  come  down  to 
us,  were  still  flourishing  at  the  time  of  EHzabeth, 
when  their  names  constantly  crop  up  as  extensive  land- 
holders, living  in  stately  castles,  whose  ruins  in  our  own 
time  are  melancholy  monuments  of  bygone  splendour. 

The  old  Celtic  divisions  are  frequently  mentioned 
during  this  century,  but  always  under  the  English  name 
of  Cantred.i  Though  two  or  more  of  these  old  divisions 
were  generally  joined  together  to  form  a  manor  as  we 
have  seen,  yet  they  did  not  lose  their  identity.  They 
were  probably  retained  as  well  defined  districts  for  raising 
taxes  for  local  improvements,  and  sent  representatives 
to  the  Villatae  2  or  local  councils,  which  were  held  at 
convenient  centres  such  as  Ardagh,  Rathkeale,  Bruree, 

1  Cal.  Chanc.  Hib.,  p.  52,  a.  No.  50.  Cautreds  in  County  Limerick 
that  are  mentioned  in  1346  were  Ossurys  (Iverus),  Ottorne,  Accumys, 
Inyskysty,  O'Carbry,  Adare,  and  Croom,  Grene  and  Any,  Offarbe, 
Altry,   Ardagh,   Fontymshyll,   Esclon,   Oghny. 

Ibid.  p.  72  a.  No.  2,  1358,  the  following  are  mentioned  : — O'Carbri, 
Adare,  Grene,  Any,  Fontymkill,  Esclon,  Wethney,  City  of  Limerick. 

Ibid.  p.  102  a.  No.  73,  1377,  O'Carbry,  Adare,  Cromyth,  Any, 
Fontymghill,  Esclon. 

Ibid.  p.  113  b,  No.  117,  1 38 1.  Dominium  Kildarie  (the  Lordship 
of  the  Earl  of  Kildare),  Any,  Fontymkill,  City  of  Limerick,  Kilmallock, 
•O'Conyle. 

2  Plea  Roll  XVIII.,  edition  i.,  m  44  (Cal.,  vol.  i..  p.  140).  The 
Villatae  or  towns  where  these  councils  were  held  are  given  as  Ardagh, 
Othenach  (evidently  O'Bathyn,  and  probably  held  at  Newcastle  West), 
Esclon,  lolegar  (Uregane),  Browry,  Fontemel,  and  Cromyth. 

The  Pipe  Rolls  give  a  Hst,  Adare,  Rathgele,  Inskyfti,  Ardagh, 
Cromech,  Kilmehallock,  Dermochy  (Darragh),  Natherlag'h  (Aherlow), 
Any,  Grene.  and  Karkinliss,  (Caherconlish)  (year  1303).  Either  of 
these  lists  are  not  exhaustive. 

See  T.  J.  Westropp's  Notes  on  Askeaton,  Journal  of  R..S.A.,  1903. 


234  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

Croom,  Kilkeedy,  Kilmallock,  Darragh.  The  trial  of 
John  Dundon,  before  one  of  these  councils,  gives  an  idea 
of  the  kind  of  business  that  was  transacted  at  such 
meetings.  The  said  John  was  indited  for  having  neglected 
to  repair  the  bridges  of  Coulbalysyward  (Howardstown) 
and  CloncuUig.  The  jury,  however,  found  that  John 
was  not  bound  to  repair  the  bridge  of  CloncuUig,  and 
that  the  bridge  of  Howardstown  was  made  up  so  that 
men,  horses,  and  wagons  were  able  to  cross. 


ifourteentf)  Century. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

THE    AFFAIRS    OF   THE    CITY. 

In  the  beginning  of  this  century  there  is  very  little 
known  about  the  internal  or  social  life  of  the  citizens. 
When  the  surrounding  country  became  disturbed,  the 
government  thought  it  desirable  to  secure  the  city,  on 
account  of  its  being  so  favourably  situated  as  a  rallying 
ground  against  the  "  Irish  enemy  "  and  "  English  rebel.'* 

Accordingly  in  a.d.  1312,1  an  order  was  made  to 
survey  the  castle  of  Limerick  Vv^hich  was  situated  in  the 
dangerous  march  between  the  English  and  Irish.  It 
was  ordered  to  be  put  in  repair,  and  the  expenses  to  be 
defrayed  out  of  the  issues  of  the  county.  A  report 
having  been  made  to  the  king  and  council  by  John 
Wogan,  justiciary  of  Ireland,  that  the  castle  was  so 
threatened  with  ruin,  and  fallen  down  and  broken  on 
all  sides,  that  damage  and  peril  may  arise,  if  it  were  not 
speedily  repaired,  and  if  turrets  and  defensive  crenelles 
were  not  there  constructed. 

It  would  appear^  that  during  these  years  malefactors, 
robbers,  and  disturbers  of  the  king's  peace  frequently 
invaded  the  city,  assassinated,  wounded,  and  robbed 
the  citizens  of  their  property  within  the  liberty,  and 
burned  the  suburbs.  As  a  remedy  against  this  evil, 
they  were  allowed  to  seize  the  chatties  of  these  male- 
factors, whether  English  or  Irish,  as  well  within  as 
without  the  liberties,  and  to  retain  the  goods  so  seized 
until   full  satisfaction  was  made  by   the  offenders   for 

1  Calendar  of  Close  Rolls  (English  State  Paper  Series). 

2  Plea  Rolls,  6th  Edward  II. 


236  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

such  damages,  and  on  that  account  the  citizens  were 
not  to  be  molested  or  aggrieved  in  any  of  the  king's 
courts. 

1327.1  Wilham  de  Skelton  was  appointed  custodian 
of  the  castle,  and  was  to  hold  the  position  for  life  during 
the  king's  pleasure  for  services  rendered  during  the 
reign  of  Edward  I.  He  did  not  retain  the  office  long 
as  a  fresh  grant  was  made  in  1330,  in  favour  of  John 
le  White,  who  was  to  be  constable  of  the  castle,  with 
a  yearly  fee  of  10  marks  at  the  exchequer,  provided  that 
he  furnished  before  the  sheriff  of  Limerick  sufficient 
security  for  the  safe  keeping  of  the  castle  for  the  king. 
At  the  same  time  he  bound  himself  to  repair  fifty  feet 
of  the  wall  now  fallen  into  decay,  and  to  find  six  men 
at  arms  as  a  guard  for  the  castle. 

1331.2  Maurice  Fitzgerald,  Earl  of  Desmond,  as  we 
have  seen,  was  captured  by  surprise  in  the  city  on 
Assumption  day  by  Sir  Anthony  Lucy,  and  sent  as  a 
prisoner  to  Dublin  Castle.  In  the  following  year  some 
of  his  followers,  who  were  confined  in  the  castle  of 
Limerick,  killed  the  constable  and  took  possession  of 
the  castle.  Their  triumph,  however,  was  of  short 
duration,  as  Banbury,  the  mayor,  at  the  head  of  the 
citizens,  attacked  and  captured  the  castle,  putting  to 
the  sword  the  garrison  without  regard  to  rank  or  quahty. 

After  the  disastrous  battle  of  Monasternenagh,  the 
city  was  burned  by  the  O'Briens,  and  MacNamaras  of 
Thomond,  after  which  the  citizens  3  capitulated  to 
O'Brien.  Sheeda  Cam  (MacNamara),  son  of  the  daughter 
of  O'Dwyer,  assumed  the  wardenship  of  the  town,  but 
the  Enghsh  that  were  in  it  acted  treacherously  to  him 
and  killed  him. 


1  See  Calendar  Patent  Rolls  (English  Series),  for  this  and  following 
entries. 

2  See  Cox,  Hihernia  Anglicana. 
^  Anns.  Four  Masters,  1369. 


THE  AFFAIRS  OF  THE  CITY.  237 

Sir  William  de  Winsor,  justiciary,  immediately 
marched  to  the  relief  of  the  city.  He  vigorously  pursued 
the  MacNamaras  with  the  result  that  he  succeeded  in 
forcing  John,  the  leader  of  the  sept,  to  submit  and  give 
hostages  for  the  fulfilment  of  the  following  covenants  : 
(i)  To  keep  the  peace,  especially  towards  the  Bishops  of 
Limerick  and  Killaloe.  (2)  Not  to  annoy  the  city  or 
castle  of  Limerick,  nor  hinder  that  city  in  their  fishing, 
or  in  cutting  their  woods  in  Thomond  to  build  or  repair 
their  houses.  (3)  That  he  should  restore  the  books, 
ornaments,  and  chalices  he  had  taken  from  the  church 
of    Limerick. 

In  1382,1  Thomas  Brightrich  received  the  constable- 
ship  of  the  castle,  and  asked  the  citizens  to  give  him 
20  marks,  the  value  of  the  weirs,  for  the  up-keep  of  that 
building,  provided  he  gave  the  king  a  tun  of  salmon 
and  a  pipe  of  Lampreys  every  year. 

1390.2  The  issues  and  profits  of  the  fee  farm,  cocket, 
and  the  lax  weir  were  granted  to  the  citizens  for  eight 
years  to  repair  the  fortifications  of  the  city,  as  it  was 
situated  on  the  frontiers  of  the  king's  Irish  enemies. 

In  the  following  year^  another  grant  was  made  with 
the  assent  of  the  council  to  the  Mayor  of  Limerick  for 
the  benefit  of  the  city,  which  is  situated  on  the  frontiers 
of  the  king's  Irish  enemies,  who  from  day  to  day  came 
into  it,  and  against  the  will  of  the  said  mayor,  burgesses, 
and  good  men,  buy  victuals  and  merchandize  to  their 
great  loss.  For  the  next  seven  years  no  foreign  mer- 
chant, and  in  particular,  no  enemy  shall  buy  any 
merchandize  in  the  city  without  licence  of  the  mayor, 
and  for  the  better  guarding  and  maintaining,  they  may 
once  a  year  freely  send  out  two  ships  to  foreign  ports 


1  See  Cox,  Hibernia  Anglicana. 

2  Calendar  of  Patent  Rolls  (English  Series). 

3  Patent  Rolls  (English  Series). 


238  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

in  time  of  peace  and  the  truce,  without  bringing  tlie 
same  into  any  of  the  king's  ports  in  England,  Wales  or 
elsewhere,  and  during  that  period  they  may  freely  sell 
the  same  in  foreign  parts,  provided  that  it  is  not  pre- 
judical  to  any  person  howsoever.  So  far  we  have  traced 
the  privileges  which  the  government  conferred  on  the 
citizens  to  maintain  their  independence  in  the  midst 
of  hostile  neighbours. 

We  now  turn  to  treat  of  the  domestic  affairs  of  the 
city,  and  the  materials  are  of  a  very  meagre  kind.  It 
must  have  increased  considerably  in  population,  as  many 
new  names,  such  as  Arthur  Black,  Comyn  Creagh, 
Stritch,  Wall,  and  Taylor  appear  in  the  list  of  principal 
officers.  Many  of  these  names  are  still  with  us.  A 
number  of  documents  relating  to  the  fisheries  and  farm 
of  the  city  are  still  extant,  but  principally  refer  to  the 
payment  of  the  customary  crown  rents  which  show 
that  the  government  kept,  even  in  those  troubled  times, 
a.  close  supervision  over  the  taxes. 

The  town  was  favourably  situated  for  commercial 
pursuits,  though  little  availed  of  by  the  citizens  in  the 
beginning  of  this  century,  as  we  learn  from  the  Custom 
returns.  Later  on  they  became  more  enterprising,  and 
carried  on  a  considerable  trade  with  the  neighbouring 
cities.  The  citizens  of  Galway  became  jealous  of  the 
growing  trade  of  Limerick,  and  exacted  illegal  dues  off 
the  Limerick  merchants  that  frequented  Galway  to 
dispose  of  their  wares,  which  ended  in  a  serious  quarrel. 

In  the  year  1337,  David  Butler,  a  citizen  of  Limerick, 
complained  to  the  Lord  Justice  that  although  it  was 
particularly  provided  in  the  Charter  of  Limerick,  that 
the  citizens  and  their  successors  for  ever  should  be  free 
of  all  customs  for  their  goods  and  merchandize  in  any 
place,  either  in  England  or  Ireland,  where  they  should 
bring  them  for  sale  ;  yet  the  Provost  and  bailiffs  of 
<jalway    and     Athenry    exacted     heavy    customs    from 


THE  AFFAIRS  OF  THE  CITY. 


=  39 


him  and  his  merchants,  when  from  time  to  time  they 
came  to  the  said  towns  with  merchandize.  The  Lord 
Justices  on  hearing  the  complaint  issued  letters  com- 
manding the  said  magistrates  to  refrain,  under  heavy 
penalties,  from  those  exactions  in  future.     These  rival 


COSTUMES     OF     MAYORS     OF     DUBLIN',     \VATERFORD,     CORK,      AND     LIMERICK, 
ABOOT    1380. 

trade  disputes  were  renewed  occasionally,  and  in  the 
beginning  of  the  sixteenth  century  ended  in  open 
hostility.  The  above  group  of  figures  taken  from 
the  Municipal   Roll  of  Waterford  illustrate  the  dress  of 


240 


DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 


the  mayors  of  the  southern  cities  about  the  year  1380. 
The  Mayor  of  Limerick  is  here  represented  as  wearing 
a  large  belt,  adorned  with  gilt  plates,  red  hose  and 
shoes,  a  tunic  of  dark  blue  and  cap.  The  outfit  does 
justice  to  his  figure,  though  he  appears  to  be  ill  at  ease. 
The  next  group  is  taken  from  different  parts  of  the 
same  roll.  The  outer  figures  represent  burgesses,  and 
the  inner  a  gentleman  of  rank  and  a  bishop.  These 
old  pictures  gives  us  a  ghmpse  of  how  the  different 
grades  of  the  better  class  of  citizens  were  clad  in  their 
everyday  avocation  in  those  medieval  times. 1 


MONSTER   COSTUME    IN    I380. 


1  See  Mr.  Westropp's  Essay,  St.  Mary's  Cathedral, /om>-.  of  R.S.A., 
1898,  pp.  12,  24,  31. 


jfifteentb  Century. 

CHAPTER    XIV. 

THE    ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS    OF   THE    DIOCESE. 

Cornelius  O'Dea,  Archdeacon  of  Killaloe,  was  appointed 
Bishop  of  Limerick  in  the  year  1400.  He  was  a  member 
of  the  distinguished  family  of  the  O'Deas,  chieftains  of 
Dysert  Tola.  It  would  appear  that  he  was  married 
before  he  became  a  priest,  as  the  following  entry  occurs 
in  the  Annals  of  the  Four  Masters  under  the  year  1589  : 
"  Dermot  Og,  son  of  Dermot,  son  of  Denis,  son  of 
Dermot,  son  of  Conor,  Bishop  of  Limerick,  son  of  Mur- 
rough-an-Dana  O'Dea,  died,  and  was  buried  in  his  own 
town,  Dysert  Tola,  in  the  cantred  of  Kinel  Fearmaic 
in  the  upper  part  of  Dal  Cais." 

In  the  early  years  of  his  episcopate  there  is  evidence  ^ 
that  the  morals  of  the  clergy  were  lax,  the  cause  of  which 
may  be  traced  to  the  state  of  anarchy  the  greater  part 
of  the  country  was  reduced  to,  owing  to  the  constant 
raids  and  counter  raids  of  petty  chiefs.  The  Western 
Schism  too  must  have  had  a  paralysing  effect  on  the  main- 
tenance of  clerical  discipline  which  is  so  necessary  for 
the  purity  of  morals  and  the  welfare  of  the  Church. 
Cornelius  was  an  energetic,  liberal,  and  pious  prelate, 
who  spent  his  life  in  promoting  the  interest  of  religion 
in  his  diocese. 

In  1424  he  was  summoned  by  the  government  to 
answer  certain  charges  that  were  made  against  him. 
The  nature  of  the  accusation  or  the  result  of  the  enquiry 
has   not   come  down   to  us.     In   1426  he  resigned  the 

1  See  Bliss,  Papal  Registers  {140^-14.1  i,). 


242  DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 

bishopric  and  retired  into  private  life,  having  thus  an 
opportunity  of  devoting  the  close  of  his  years  exclusively 
to  the  service  of  God.  He  died  on  the  27th  July,  1434, 
and  was  interred  in  the  cathedral,  under  a  monument 
of  black  marble  adorned  with  his  statue,  near  the  tomb 
of  the  O'Briens,  with  whom  he  was  connected  by 
fosterage. 

In  the  year  162 1,  this  monument  was  removed  to 
a  place  set  apart  for  the  bishops  on  the  south  side  of 
the  choir,  where  this  inscription  may  still  be  seen  : — 

Haec  est  effigies  Reverendissimi  viri  Cornelii  O'Dae 
Quondam  Episcopi  Limericensis,  qui  ad  monumentum  hoc 
novum  Episcopcrum  Limericensium  ad  perpetuandum 
memoriam  et  honorem  tanti  Praesulis,  Translatus  fuit,  ut 
hie  cum  fratribus  suis  requiesceret,  14  die  Julii  Anno  Dom 
1621.  Remotus  autem  hue  fuit  sumptibus  nobilissimi  herois 
Donati  Comitis  .  Thomoniae  tunc  honoratissimi  Domini 
Presedentis  provinciae  Momoniae.' 

— [Translated  by  Hants.) 

This  is  the  effigy  of  that  most  Reverend  man,  Cornelius 
O'Dae,  formerly  Bishop  of  Limerick,  who,  to  perpetuate  the 
memory  and  honour  of  so  great  a  prelate,  was  translated  to 
the  burial  place  of  the  Bishops  of  Limerick,  that  he  might 
rest  with  his  brethren,  on  the  14th  day  of  July,  1621. 
But  it  was  removed  hither  at  the  charge  of  that  most  noble 
hero,  Donat  Earl  of  Thomond,  then  the  Right  Honourable 
Lord  President  of  the  Province  of  Munster. 

Very  valuable  and  much  prized  memorials  of  this 
good  prelate  still  survive,  having  been  handed  down 
as  heirlooms  through  his  successors  in  the  See,  and  are 
at  present  in  the  custody  of  the  Most  Rev.  Dr.  O'Dwyer, 
Bishop  of  the  Diocese.  They  consist  of  a  Mitre  Crozier 
and  a  MS.  now  known  as  the  Black  Book  of  Limerick. 

1  See  Ware's  Bishops  of  Limerick. 


c^a'0(^V<7^' 


face  page  243. 


ECCLESIASTICAL  AFFAIRS   OF  THE   DIOCESE.  243 

The  Mitre. — According  to  an  old  legend  a  synod  of 
bishops  was  held  in  Dublin,  and  Cornelius  went  to  attend 
it  without  his  pontificals.  Feeling  the  awkwardness 
of  his  position,  he  searched  the  city  for  a  mitre  and 
crozier,  but  failed  to  find  them.  At  length  a  youth 
landed  from  a  ship  which  had  just  come  into  port,  and 
presented  the  bishop  with  a  box,  saying  what  he  sought 
was  in  it,  if  it  pleased  his  lordship  he  could  keep  them. 
When  the  bishop  turned  to  thank  the  young  man  he 
was  nowhere  to  be  seen.  In  almost  every  legend  there  is 
said  to  be  a  kernel  of  truth.  In  this  instance  the  story 
may  have  arisen  from  the  fact  that  they  were  made 
in  Dubhn. 

The  front  and  back  of  the  mitre  consists  of  silver 
gilt  laminae,  adorned  with  flowers  composed  of  an 
almost  infinite  number  of  precious  stones.  The  borders 
and  ornamental  panel,  down  the  middle  on  both  sides 
are  of  the  same  material  but  much  thicker,  being  worked 
into  mouldings  and  vine  leaves  enriched  with  a  variety 
of  pearls  some  of  a  large  size.  Near  the  top  of  the  front 
panel,  in  the  form  of  a  cross  and  covered  with  crystal 
of  the  same  shape,  is  the  following  inscription  :  "  Hoc 
signum  crucis  erit  in  coelo."  In  similar  setting  on  the 
back  is  the  continuation  :  "  Cum  Dominus  ad  judican- 
dum  venerit."  Round  the  lower  edge  a  record  of  the 
date  and  name  of  the  original  owner  are  enamelled  in 
black  letters  thus  :  "  Me  ►!<  fieri  •$•  fecit  i^  Cornelius 
O'Deaygh  Epus  .  .  .  Anno  Dom  Milli."  The  re- 
mainder is  broken  off  above  the  band,  the  name  of  the 
artist  is  engraved  Thomas  O'Carryd,  artifex  faciens. 
The  infulae  or  pendants  appear  to  have  suffered  much 
as  they  are  devoid  of  most  of  the  ornaments  that  once 
adorned  them. 

The  Crozier. — The  crozier  is  of  silver  for  the  most 
part,  ornamented  along  the  shaft  with  crowns  and  chaste 
work.     Within  the  curve  in  the  open  part  is  a  silver 


244  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

figure  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  seated  with  a  dove  suspended 
with  a  wire  over  her  head,  the  figure  of  the  Angel 
Gabriel  in  a  kneeling  attitude,  and  between  them  the 
figure  of  a  lily  growing  out  of  a  ewer.i  The  curve  is 
supported  by  a  pelican  with  outstretched  wings  feeding 
her  young.  Below  the  curve  are  the  enamelled  figures 
of  SS.  Brigid,  Barbara,  Catherine,  Margaret,  and  two 
others  who  bear  no  distinctive  emblems,  all  under 
canopies.  Below  these  are  the  figures  of  the  Blessed 
Trinity,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  St.  Patrick,  an  unknown 
bishop,  and  the  Blessed  Virgin,  under  rich  canopies. 
Round  the  base  is  a  wreath  of  enamelling  containing 
the  name  and  title  of  the  bishop  :  "  Me  fieri  fecit  Cornell, 
O'Deaygh  Epus  Limiricens,  Anno  Dom  :\ICCCCXVIII 
consecracionis  sue  anno  XVIII."  - 

"  Cornelius  O'Dea,  Bishop  of  Limerick,  caused  me 
to  be  made  a.d.  1418,  and  in  the  eighteenth  year  of  his 
consecration." 

It  is  about  seven  and  a  half  feet  in  height  and 
about  ten  pounds  in  weight.  These  precious  relics 
have  been  carefully  preserved,  and  are  greatly  admired 
by  lovers  of  the  fine  arts,  as  they  are  splendid  specimens 
of  what  Irish  artists  were  able  to  turn  out  in  the 
fifteenth  century.  They  have  been  exhibited  at  the 
Dubhn  Exhibition  of  1862,  and  at  the  Congress  of  the 
Arch^logical  Society,  England,  the  same  year.  They 
have  been  worn  on  solemn  occasions  by  the  late  Dr. 
Butler,  and  by  the  present  custodian.  Dr.  O'Dwyer. 

The  Black  Book. — This  very  valuable  MS.  consists 
of  seventy-six  leaves  written  on  vellum  and  parchment. 
The  table  of  contents  and  collection  of  documents 
occupying  seventy  leaves,  are  beautifully  and  plainly 
written  in  the  same  hand  in  the  style  of  the  end  of  the 

1  The  dove  and  the  lily  are  not  now  in  their  places. 

2  The  illustrations  of  Mitre  and  Crozier  are  copied^  from  the 
Archceologia,  vol.  xvii.,  1814. 


THE     CROZIER   OF   CORNELIUS    O  DEA. 


\facc  page  244. 


ECCLESIASTICAL  AFFAIRS  OF  THE   DIOCESE.  245 

reign  of  Edward  III  and  in  Latin.  The  earliest  docu- 
ment transcribed  is  the  grant  of  Donald  O'Brien,  and 
though  undated,  is  generally  referred  to  the  year  1194 
and  the  latest  is  dated  a.d.  1362,  and  most  of  them  are 
woven  into  the  text  of  this  volume.  The  additional 
portion,  containing  the  procuration  tables  and  rental  of 
the  diocese,  in  a  different  and  later  style  of  hand,  was 
added  by  Cornelius  O'Dea  in  1418.  There  are  some 
inquisitions  relating  to  Church  property  also  inserted 
by  later  bishops. 

At  the  time  of  the  Reformation  it  passed  into  the  hands 
of  the  Protestant  bishops,  as  there  are  some  documents 
inserted  in  the  end  of  it  by  Bishop  Adams  (1604-1625). 
It  is  said  to  have  been  in  the  possession  of  Bishop  Webb, 
who  died  a  prisoner  in  the  castle  shortly  after  the  out- 
break of  1642.  Dr.  Young  mentions  in  a  note  in  White's 
Annals  of  the  Diocese,  when  treating  of  Bishop  Robert 
of  Emly,  that  the  Black  Book  was  then  (in  the  year 
1795)  in  the  possession  of  Captain  Ouseley,  and  Dr. 
Cussen,  P.P.,  Bruff,  adds  in  another  note  that  Dr. 
Young  afterwards  became  the  owner  of  the  MS.  Since 
then  it  has  become  an  heirloom  of  the  diocese. 

This  MS.  is  at  present  in  the  college  library  of  May- 
nooth.  It  was  lent  by  Dr.  Ryan,  Bishop  of  the  Diocese, 
to  Dr.  Renehan,  President  of  that  College,  and  being 
among  his  books  at  the  time  of  his  death,  it  was  placed 
in  the  library  of  the  College,  where  it  remains  by  the 
permission  of  Dr.  O'Dwyer,  as  it  is  still  the  property  of 
the  diocese  of  Limerick.  By  the  consent  of  the  President 
of  Maynooth,  a  copy  was  made  for  Trinity  College 
library.  Dr.  Russell,  President  of  Maynooth,  presented 
Dr.  Butler,  late  Bishop  of  the  diocese,  with  a  copy, 
and  there  is  one  also  in  the  College  library  of  Maynooth. 1 


1  The  copy  I  have  used  is  a  copy  I  made  from  the  copy  presented 
to  Dr.  Butler,  and  kindly  lent  to  me  tiy  the  Most  Rev.  Dr.  O'Dwyer. 


246  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

The  Procuration  Rolls  given  at  page  13^ ipil the 
Black  Book  contain  the  fullest  and  most  valuable  hst 
of  churches  of  the  diocese  before  the  Reformation.  It 
is  to  be  regretted  that  the  first  page  is  greatly  defaced 
by  tincture  of  galls  which  was  used  to  restore  the  faded 
ink,  and  makes  the  reading  a  great  difficulty.  By 
comparing  it  with  the  copy  in  a  MS.  called  the  little 
Black  Book,  Dr.  Reeves,  late  Protestant  Bishop  of  Down 
and  Connor,  made  out  a  complete  list  which  is  preserved 
among  his  MSS.i  in  Trinity  College,  and  which  I  have 
used  with  what  I  am  able  to  decipher  of  the  original 
in  the  following  list. 

"  Procuratio,"  anghcized  proxy,  was  a  pecuniary 
sum  or  composition  paid  to  an  ordinary  in  lieu  of  the 
provision  or  entertainment  which  in  ancient  times  was 
allowed  to  him,  and  when  bishops,  instead  of  holding 
itinerary  visitations  of  their  dioceses,  summoned  their 
clergy  to  meet  them  at  the  court  of  visitation  at  the 
cathedrals,  an  equivalent  for  the  cost  of  entertainment 
was  assessed  on  their  parishes  in  the  form  of  fees.  Out 
of  this  charge  the  present  record  grew,  and  the  sum 
total  accruing  to  the  bishop  annually  from  this  tax  of 
1418  was  £32  los.,  a  very  large  sum  at  that  period. 

We  now  give  the  list  of  churches  as  they  are  found 
in  this  return  which  is  a  valuable  supplement  to  the 
1201  list. 

Proxy  Tax,^  1418. 

Deccanatus  Lymericensis. 
(Limerick    Deanery). 
Ecclesia  de  Escluana    alias   Kylkyde,    cujus    Rector 

IT.C.D.  MSS.,  1063. 

2  Title  of  Original : — "  Hec  est  taxa  ordinaria  tocius  diocesis  pro  pro- 
cuiacionibus  domini  Episcopi  ...  in  crastino  Valentini  matris  Anno- 
Domini  millesimo  cccc,  vicessimo  secundo  .  .  .  jam  in  hoc  libro  de 
verboad  verbumperCorneliumLymericensem  Episcopum  ne  Rotuli  .  ,  - 
rent  extant  sub  Anno  Domini,  Millesimo  ccccxviii. 


ECCLESIASTICAL  AFFAIRS  OF  THE   DIOCESE. 


247 


est  Prior  de  Athissell.     (The  church  of  Escluana  otherwise 
Kilkeedy  the  rector  of  which  is  the  prior  of  Athissel). 

Escluan  in  the  Hst  of  churches  given  under  the  year 
1201  is  appUed  to  a  district  containing  a  number  of 
churches.  In  the  Hst  of  1302,  it  is  given  as  the  name 
of  a  particular  church  with  a  vicarage.  In  the  Hst  of 
1306,  it  is  not  mentioned,  but  Kilkid  (Kilkeedy)  is  given 
as  a  rectory  and  vicarage.  In  this  list  both  names 
are  given  as  referring  to  the  same  church  wliich  is  now 
known  as  Kilkeedy  near  Carrig  O'Gunnell  Castle.  The 
church  derives  its  name  from  St.  Keedy  or  Cedda,  and 
was  dedicated  to  St.  Simon  and  Jude,  28th  of  October, 
In  1615,  it  was  roofed  with  thatch.  A  part  of  the  walls 
are  still  standing,  but  present  no  architectural  feature 
worth  noting. 


MEDIEVAL   CHURCH,    MUNGRET. 


248  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 


Ecclesia  de  Mongrel,  Decanus  Rector. 

(The  church  of  Mungret,  the  dean  is  rector.)  The 
old  Celtic  churches  of  Mungret  have  already  been  de- 
scribed. This  was  the  parochial  church  and  built  after 
the  coming  of  the  Normans,  and  is  the  most  imposing 
ruin.  It  is  a  large  Gothic  building,  measuring  about 
113  feet  in  length,  and  is  divided  into  a  nave  and  chancel. 
At  the  west  end  there  is  the  ruins  of  a  residence,  and  a 
small  tower  to  the  north  of  it.  The  east  gable,  which 
is  in  a  fair  state  of  preservation,  is  supported  by  large 
stepped  buttresses.  In  1615  the  chancel  was  in  a  good 
state  of  repair. 

Ecclesia  de  Catherbathelaich.^ 
(The  church  of  Cahervally.)  Cathair  ui  Chachalla, 
Fort  of  the  O'Boughills.  The  church  of  Cahervally 
gives  its  name  to  a  parish.  There  is  an  undated 
document  in  the  Black  Book  (perhaps  between  1270 
and  1300),  which  states  that  John  Pincera  gave  the 
church  of  St.  Matthew,  Catherbathelacgh,  with  its 
appurtenances,  namely,  all  the  ecclesiastical  benefices 
of  Dorchyn,  to  St.  Mary's  Cathedral,  to  increase  the 
canonry  of  Thomas  Cardiff,  which  was  St.  Munchin's. 
From  this  we  learn  that  Cahervally  was  a  churdi  in 
the  district  of  Drochyn,  a  word  I  consider  to  be  the 
ancient  form  of  Rahen.  This  assumption  is  borne  out 
by  Peyton's  Survey,  where  Rahen  is  given  as  the  name 
of  a  parish,  and  is  still  the  name  of  the  townland  where 
the  ruins  of  the  old  church  of  Cahervally  are  to  be 
seen.  Peyton  mentions  that  a  castle  stood  in  this 
townland,  which,  with  half  the  land,  belonged  to 
Thomas  McBoyle  McGarrott  beg  Marescall. 

1  O.S.L.  (G'Donovan)."* 


ECCLESIASTICAL  AFFAIRS  OF  THE  DIOCESE.  249 

The  ruins  of  this  old  church  are  now  called  Rahen, 
and  judging  from  what  remains  of  the  building,  it  was 
about  sixty  feet  long  by  twenty-one  wide.  A  few 
fragments  of  the  walls  are  still  standing ;  near  it  traces 
of  the  old  castle  are  discernable. 

Ecclesia  de  Crewamalla,  Precentor. 
(The  church  of  Knocknagaul  belongs  to  the  pre- 
centor.) According  to  O'Heerin's  Topographical  Poems, 
O'Maille  and  O'Cadhla  were  the  chieftains  of  the  Tuath 
Limnrigh,  and  the  name  of  the  former  is  preserved 
in  Crewamalla,  which  was  a  district  corresponding 
to  the  present  parish  of  Knocknagaul.  It  is  often 
mentioned  in  the  Black  Book  during  the  thirteenth 
century.  It  does  not  occur  in  the  list  of  1302,  as  it 
belonged  to  the  precentor,  whose  benefices  are  valued 
as  a  whole  without  naming  any  in  particular.  It  occurs 
in  the  lists  of  1306,  in  this  present  list,  and  the  one  of 
1615,  when  it  disappears  and  that  of  Knocknagual 
substituted  in  its  place.  It  is  written  Crewally,  and 
Ballyclough  given  as  an  alias  for  it  in  an  inquisition 
held  in  the  year  1615,  and  already  referred  to.  But 
it  is  clear  from  the  old  documents  of  the  thirteenth 
century  in  the  Black  Book,  that  it  was  applied  to  a  large 
district,  and  the  church  was  called  by  the  same  name, 
though  in  the  course  of  time  the  particular  place  where 
it  was  built  may  have  been  known  as  Knocknagaul. 
Even  that  name  has  lost  its  identity  as  a  townland, 
and  Lemonfield  substituted  for  it  where  the  old  ruin 
is  situated.  It  consisted  of  a  nave  and  choir;  only  a 
part  of  the  north  and  south  walls  now  remain. 

Ecclesia  de  Carnargy,  Decanus. 
(The  church  of  Cahernarry  belongs  to  the  dean.)    This 
old  church  was  situated  on  the  slope  of  Cahernarry  Hill 


250  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

where  a  few  fragments  of  the  old  building  still  remain 
in  the  graveyard  near  the  Protestant  church.  It  was 
dedicated  to  St.  Nicholas. 


Ecclesia   Kilbekayn  alias  Ballymcconcoiir,  Prebenda   ejus 
■particula  Hakyms,  Proxy  2s. 

(The  prebend  of  Kilpeacon,  a  part  of  which  is 
Hakinis.)  The  ruins  of  this  old  church  have  long  since 
disappeared,  but  were  near  the  Protestant  church  of 
that  name.  It  was  dedicated  to  St.  Becan  of  Cluain 
Mobecoc  in  Misscraige  Breogam  in  Munster,  on  26th 
May. 

Ecclesia  Kylmohurk  alias  Kilmurry,   Rectoria  pcrtinct  ad 
Prioreui  de  Athissell,  Proxy  8s. 

(The  church  of  Kilmohurk  or  Kilmurry,  a  rectory 
pertains  to  the  prior  of  Athissell.)  The  old  church 
was  dedicated  to  St.  Mary  Magdalen.  The  Protestant 
church  was  built  on  its  site  in  the  year  1810.  The 
parish  is  now  popularly  known  as  Monalean. 

Ecclesia  de  Deregalvayn,  Proxy  5s. 

(The  church  of  Derrygalvin.)     Oakwood  of  Galvin. 

There  is  none  of  the  building  now  remaining,  but  its 

site  is  marked  by  a  graveyard  in  Ballysimon.  It  was 
dedicated  to  St.  Nicholas,  December  6th. 

Ecclesia  Domnachmor,  Prebenda  et  habet  vicarium  cujus 
particula    Ballyag    alias    Ardpatrick,    Proxy    5s. 

(The  church  of  Donaghmore,  a  prebend  and  hath  a 
vicar,  a  part  of  which  was  Ballyag  otherwise 
Ardpatrick.)     (See  1201  list). 


ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS   OF  THE    DIOCESE.  25I 

Ecclesia  dc  Ratlisyccard,  Decamis,  Proxy  4s. 

(The  church  of  Rathsyward  belongs  to  the  dean.) 
The  place  where  this  church  was  situated  is  now  known 
as  Rathurd,  not  far  from  Donaghmore,  No  part  of  the 
ancient  building  remains,  but  was  of  some  importance 
in   ancient   times. 

Ecclesia  de  Sengcl  una  parte   Thesaur,   Proxy  2S. 
(The  church  of  Singland.)     (See  1201  list.) 

Ecclesia   Sancti  Patricii  cujus  pars  deciniae  gurgitum  et 
molendinoriim  et  Proxy  ys.  6d. 

(The  church  of  St.  Patrick,  a  part  of  which  are  the 
tithes  of  the  fisheries  and  mills,  etc.)     (See  1201  list.) 

Capella  de  Cluinanarny  als  Kilcowyn  Thesaitrarius. 

(The  chapel  of  Cluinanarny  or  Kilquane  belongs  to 
the  treasurer.)     (See  1201  list.) 

Ecclesia   de   Cottyn   alias   Sancti   Laurencii  extra   miiruui 
presentatio  cujus  special  ad  Commiinitatein  civiujn. 

(The  church  of  Cottyn  or  St.  Laurence  outside  the 
walls.  The  presentation  belonged  to  the  Corporation.) 
It  formerly  stood  near  the  County  Hospital,  but  has 
disappeared  long  since. 

Ecclesia  St.  Johannis  Prior  is  dc  Sancta  Cruce,  Proxy  i8d. 

(The  church  of  St.  John's  belongs  to  the  prior  of 
Holy  Cross.)     (See  1201  hst.) 

Ecclesia  Sancti  Michaelis  Archidiaconus  hahct  Vicarium, 
gd. 

(The  church  of  St.  Michael  belongs  to  the  archdeacon, 
and  hath  a  vicar.)     (See  1201  list.) 


252  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

Ecclesia  St.  Mmichini   Capiit  Prebende  cujus  patriculae 
sunt  Kylcomgayn  Drehidtarsna  and  Kyllouch. 

(The  church  of  St.  Munchin  is  the  head  of  a  prebend, 
a  part  of  which  is  Kylcomgayn  (near  Kilmallock), 
Drehidtarsna,  Kyllouch  (Kilrush.)     (See  1201  hst.) 

Ecclesia  Sanctv  Nicolai,  Decanus  hahct  Vicarium. 

(The  church  of  St.  Nicholas  belongs  to  the  dean  and 
hath  a  vicar.)     (See  1201  list.) 

Ecclesia  dc  Kyllgelly  hahct  Vicarium. 
(The   church  of  Killeely  hath   a    vicar.)     (See  1201 
list.) 

Ecclesia  de  Crcattalach  et   Yharmed  alias   Kylkemayn  et 
Kyllyntynayn . 

(The  church  of  Cratloe  and  Yarmed  alias  Kylkemayn 
and  Kyllyntynayn.)  Cratloe  is  near  the  old  castle  of 
that  name,  and  is  in  a  fair  state  of  preservation,  but  looks 
as  if  it  were  never  used  as  a  burial  ground.  Yarmed  or 
Kyllyntynayn,!  now  Kilfintinan,  locally  known  as 
Crochane,  is  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  Cratloe 
station.  A  few  fragments  of  the  old  building  still 
remain.  It  is  in  the  County  Clare  but  in  the  diocese 
of  Limerick. 

Ecclesia  de  Fedemor  Prior  de  Cahir  Rector  Jiahet  Vicarium. 

(The  church  of  Fedamore  (Fiadamair  Damair's  Wood), 

Rector,  the    prior    of    Cahir,    and     hath    a    vicar.     It 

1  See  Lenihan's  History  of  Limerick,  p.  5 58,  where  it  is  said, 
on  the  authority  of  Dr.  Young,  that  Killfintenan  parish  church  had 
part  of  the  church  of  Six-mile-bridge,  the  Oil  Mills,  Ballydane  East 
and  West,  Breakill,  Moyhill,  Ballymorris,  Portvine,  and  Garrine 
Curragh. 


ECCLESIASTICAL  AFFAIRS   OF  THE   DIOCESE.  253 

was  dedicated  to  St.  John  the  Baptist.  Tlie  Protestant 
church  is  built  on  the  ancient  site.  The  presentation  ^ 
of  the  rector  belonged  to  the  Earl  of  Desmond,  who 
claimed  from  the  rector  at  the  time  of  presentation 
lOOs.  half  face.  This  church  was  granted  to  Thomas 
Browne  in  1605,  as  part  of  the  possessions  of  Cahir. 

Ecclesia  de  Ballyhowen  ejusdem  Prior. 

(The  church  of  B ally o wen  belongs  to  the  same  prior.) 
Ballyowen  is  a  place  name  that  underwent  many  changes. 
In  list  of  1615  it  is  written  Ballione,  and  is  evidently 
the  same  as  Ballyee  of  Peyton,  which  is  now  written  as 
Ballyea  near  Fedamore,  and  the  site  of  the  old  church 
must  have  been  at  Kilcaskin. 

Ecclesia  dc  Crewcoi&rtha   Communitas  ecclesia  Cathedralis 
Lymericensis. 

(The  church  of  Crecora  belongs  to  the  chapter  and 
dean.)  I  take  that  to  be  the  meaning  of  Communitas 
from  the  fact  that  John  Cogan,^  and  later  Wilham  dc 
Wess,  granted  this  church  to  them.  A  portion  of  the 
old  building  still  exists.  It  was  dedicated  to  SS.  Peter 
and  Paul,  29th  June. 

The  following  churches  are  not  mentioned  in  this 
list,  but  are  in  one  drawn  up  in  the  year  1685  by  Rev. 
Jasper  White,^  pastor  of  St.  John's,  which  he  found  in 
torn  rolls  among  the  papers  of  his  brother,  Edmond 
White,  Canon  of  Ardcanny,  written  with  his  own  hand 

1  Peyton  Survey^ 

2  See  Black  Book  of  Limerick,  pp.   100,   130. 

3  Dr.  Jasper  White  was  born  in  Limerick  in  1628,  and  studied  in 
Spain,  where  he  was  ordained  priest  in  1655.  He  was  in  Limerick 
in  1668,  and  was  made  parish  priest  of  St.  John's.  He  drew  up  his 
list  of  churches  in  1685.  He  was  registered  for  the  parish  of  St. 
Laurence  in  1704.  He  died  about  1709.  His  list  will  be  given  in 
appendix.  See  Irish  Ecclesiastical  Record,  1876,  also  Lenihan,  p.  551,. 
White's  MS. 


254  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

about  the  year  1658,  and  also  among  some  writings  of 
James  Dowley,  Bishop  of  the  Diocese.  A  copy  of  this 
MS.  is  preserved  in  Rev.  James  White's  MS.  Annals  of 
Limerick.  Evidently  the  compiler  had  two  lists  of 
churches  before  him,  one  older  than  the  other,  as  he  gives 
the  same  church  under  two  different  names  by  which 
it  was  known  at  different  times,  and  thereby  making  it 
appear  that  they  were  in  reality  different  churches. 
For  instance,  he  gives  Fedamore  and  Balione  together, 
and  further  down  he  gives  Balione  as  if  it  were  different 
from  the  above  Balione,  etc. 

The  chapel  of  St.  Margaret, ^  Newtown,  near  Carri- 
gogunnell.  This  church  belonged  to  the  Hospitallers  of 
Ainey.  In  a  grant  made  of  this  preceptory  to  Thomas 
Browne  in  1605,  it  is  given  as  "  Newtown  near  Adare." 
The  townland  is  often  mentioned  in  the  thirteenth  and 
fourteenth  centuries  in  the  Pipe  Rolls.  The  ruin  is  near 
the  Shannon,  and  measures  fifty-six  and  one-half  feet 
long  by  twenty-two  and  a-half  wide.  It  is  in  a  fair 
state  of  preservation,  but  appears  to  have  been  never 
used  as  a  burial-ground. 

Farran  na  Giiillagh. 

Now  Rossbrien,  near  the  city,  of  which  no  traces 
remain  except  the  burial  ground  where  it  formerly 
stood.     Near  it  is  St.  Domnic's  Well. 

Decaxatus  de  Kyllocia 

(The  Deanery  of  Kilmallock). 

Ecclesia  dc   Kyllocia  Rector  ihdeni   comnmnitas  presentat 

Vicarium. 

(The  church    of    Kilmallock,   rector    there  the   dean 

and  chapter  who  presents  the  vicar.)     This  church  was 

1  Patent  Rolls,  James  I. 


ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS   OF  THE   DIOCESE. 


255 


dedicated  to  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  and  was  collegiate 
and  parochial.  It  is  now  used  as  a  Protestant  church. 
It  is  divided  into  chancel  and  nave,  the  former  measur- 
ing forty-nine  feet  by  twenty-five,  is  lighted  by  a  large 
five  light  window  ;  the  latter  is  eighty-five  feet  by  sixty- 
five,  and  has  side  aisles  with  four  pointed  arches  at  each 


KILMALLOCK    CHURCH    AND     ROUND    TOWER. 

side.  In  the  north  end  of  this  building  there  is  an 
ancient  round  tower,  much  modified  and  densely  clothed 
with  ivy. 


Ecclesia  de  Effyng  prehendata  per  pensionem  solvcndam 
ecclesie  Cathedrali  annuatim,  et  hahet  vicarium  special 
ad  presentacioncm  Domini  de  Rochefort  Procuratio 
ibidem  unacum  capella  de  Kyllygyll. 

(The  church  of  Effyng  is  attached  to  a  prebend  by 
a  pension   annually   payable    to  the  Cathedral   church. 


256  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

and  hath  a  vicar  in  the  presentation  of  Mr.  De  Rochefort, 
Proxy  thereof  together  with  the  chapel  of  Kylbygll.) 
(See  Bishop  Gerald's  episcopacy  with  regard  to  the 
foundation  of  this  prebend.)  A  part  of  Effin  church 
is  still  standing,  and  was  dedicated  to  the  B.V.M. 
Kylbygyll  is  variously  written  Kylbygill,  Kylbegly,  and 
Kylbigly.  It  was  formerly  a  separate  benefice.  The 
old  church  was  situated  in  the  townland  of  Brickfield, 
but  now  no  vestige  of  it  remains.  The  following  letter 
from  Petrie  to  O'Donovan  has  reference  to  this  church  : — 

November  ^rd,  1835. 
My  dear  John,^ 

O'Keefe  has  searched  everywhere  for  St.  Athnaid,  but 
searched  in  vain.  We  have  been  more  successful  in  our  hunt 
after  another  saint,  namely,  St.  Begly.  I  forget  how  to  spell 
the  name,  but  no  matter.  He  must,  I  think,  be  the  Begile 
given  by  Colgan  among  the  saints  of  the  race  of  Connell 
Gulban.  Colgan  did  not  know  the  locality  or  name  of  his 
church.  He  placed  his  festival  on  the  12th  of  October, 
but  it  does  not  occur  on  that  day  on  the  Calendar,  but  on  the 
i8th  of  February. 

Ecclesia   de   Athenasse,    Rectoria   et    Vicaria. 

(Atheneasy,  a  rectory  and  vicarage.)  Atheneasy 
derives  its  name  from  Atha  na  ndeisi  (the  ford  of  the 
Desi),  and  was  situated  in  the  centre  of  the  old  territory 
of  Cliu  Mail.  It  was  dedicated  to  St.  Athanasius.  There 
are  many  references  to  this  locality  and  church ;  for 
instance,  in  1274-1277,  the  parish  of  Anedes  was  fined 
^4  IDS.  for  the  escape  of  a  criminal  from  its  church. 
The  church  was  robbed  by  John  Staloun,  13 18.  In 
1343,  Eliza  de  Milton,  as  widow  of  Walter  de  Berming- 
ham,     claimed    one-third    of    the    Athnedes.     Richard 

1  Life  of  Petrie  by  Stokes,  p.  189.  This  letter  was  also  addressed 
to  Earl  of  Dunraven. 


ECCLESIASTICAL  AFFAIRS   OF   THE    DIOCESE.  25/ 

RoUey  (Raleigh)  is  mentioned  as  holding  the  manor 
and  advowson  of  Athnedes.  The  old  ruin  was  situated 
near  Elton  Bridge,  and  the  site  is  marked  by  a  grave- 
yard. 

Ecdesia  de  Kilbride  Maior,  Rectoria   Vicaria   special  ad 
■presentacionem  Odonis  de  Lees. 

(The  church  of  Kilreedy  Major,  rectory  and  vicarage, 
the  presentation  belongs  to  Odonis  de  Lacy.)  It  was 
dedicated  to  St.  Brigid,  ist  February.  The  ruins  of 
the  old  church  are  very  dilapidated,  only  parts  of  the 
south  and  west  walls  standing. 

Ecclesia     Imlaghdrynyn    Rector     Thesaurariiis     presentat 
Vicar  itim. 

Emly  Grenan,  the  Treasurer,  is  rector  and  presents 
the  vicar.     (See  1201  list.) 

Rectoria  ecclesie  de  Kylfinan  abbas  de  Insula  Molanfaid 
habet  vicarium  qucm  presentat  heres  Domini  George 
de  Rupe. 

(The  rectory  of  the  church  of  Kilfinnane  belongs  to 
the  abbot  of  the  island  of  Molanfaid  (an  island  in  the 
river  Blackwater  near  Youghal),  and  hath  a  vicar  which 
the  heir  of  George  Roche  presents.)  The  Protestant 
church  now  occupies  the  ancient  site.  It  was  dedi- 
cated to  St.  Andrew,  30th  of  November. 

Rectoria  de  Balymolruian,   spectat  ad  Mensam  episcopi. 

(Rectory  of  Balmolruian  belongs  to  the  bishop's 
table.)     The  site  is  now  unknown. 

Capella   Martini    cujiis    donacio    spectat   ad. 

(Chapel  Martin.)  This  chapel  was  situated 
in    the    townland    of    Ballycullane,    and    dedicated    to 

s 


2^8  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

St.    Martin,    November    nth.      It  is  sometimes  called 
Ardkilmartin  in   the  liberties   of   Kilmallock. 


Ecclesia  de  Kyllin. 

(The  church  of  KylHn  now  Kilfiin.)  It  is  called  Catan 
alias  Killin  in  the  list  of  1615.  The  Protestant  church 
is  built  on  the  ancient  sites 

Ecclesia  sive  particula  de  Sithcathyl. 
Now  unknown. 

Ecclesia  de  Darmocho  quae  est  ahhatis  de  Insula  Molanfaid, 
Eps.  presentat  Vicarium. 
(The  church  of  Darmocho  (=  Darac,  abounding  in 
oaks,  and  Mochua,  a  saint's  name)  now  Darragh,  rector 
the  abbot  Molanfaid  ;  the  bishop  presents  the  vicar.) 
The  old  church  consisted  of  a  nave  and  choir,  the  former 
sixty  and  one-half  feet  by  twenty-three,  the  latter 
twenty-seven  feet  by  seventeen.  Part  of  the  gables  are 
still  standing.  It  was  dedicated  to  St.  Mochua,  3rd  of 
August. 

Ecclesia  de  Ardpatrick  habet  Vicarium. 
(The  church  of  Ardpatrick  hath  a  vicar.)     (See  1201 
list.) 

Ec.  Kyldonayn. 
This  church  is  unknown. 

Ecclesia    Downgandmon    ct    Dongrith    cujus     presentacio 
special  ad  heredem  Oteway. 

(The  church  of  Downgandmon  and  Dongrith,  the 
presentation  of  which  belongs  to  the  heirs  of  Oteway.) 
This  church  was  supposed  to  be  in  the  parish  of  Particles. 


ECCLESIASTICAL  AFFAIRS   OF  THE   DIOCESE.  259 

Capclla  Martele. 

(Chapel  Mortell.)  It  was  situated  in  the  townland 
of  Mortelstown. 

Ecclesia  de  Ballygady  cujus  presentacio  spectat  ad  heredem 
Rochefort.     Hahet  vicarium. 

(The  church  of  BalHngaddy  the  presentation  of  which 
pertains  to  the  heir  of  Rochefort.  It  hath  a  vicar.) 
Baileangadaide  the  townland  of  the  thief  locally  re- 
membered as  O'Dwane.  A  part  of  the  church  still 
remains  which  shows  that  it  was  divided  into  nave 
and  choir. 

Ecclesia  de  Kilbride  Minor. 

(The  church  of  Kilbreedy  Minor.)  This  church  was 
near  Kilmallock,  and  dedicated  to  St.  Brigid,  ist 
February.  A  portion  of  the  ruins  of  this  church  still 
remains. 

Ecclesia  de  Hakmys  alias  Kylcommyn. 

(The  church  of  Hackmys  otherwise  Kilcommyn.) 
It  is  written  also  Kilcoyn  alias  Hacknis  in  the  hst  of  1615. 

The  earliest  form  of  the  name  of  this  church  is  Kil- 
comgan,  which  occurs  in  the  list  of  1201.  Kilcomgan 
means  the  church  of  St.  Comgan  or  Congan  as  he  is 
variously  called.  He  is  mentioned  in  the  Irish  and 
Scotch  calendars  1  at  13th  October,  and  is  supposed  to 
have  hved  in  the  eighth  century.  Kilcommyn  or  Kil- 
common,  with  its  phonetic  equivalent  Kilchoan  2 
(Kilquane)  and  Kilconegan  are  only  different  forms  of 
Kilcomgan  which  enables  us  to  trace  the  historv  of  this 
church. 


1  See  O'Hanlon's  Lives  of  Irish  Saints,   13th  October. 

2  Reeves'  edition  of  Adamnan's  Life  of  Columba,  p.  420,  note. 


260  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

In  1240,1  Hubert,  bishop  of  the  diocese,  entered  int» 
an  agreement  with  G.  Pendergaste  regarding  the  advowson 
of  this  church,  and  in  that  document  it  is  written 
Kilconegan. 

In  the  taxation  of  1302  we  find  a  portion  of  the 
possessions  of  this  church  set  down  as  belonging  to 
Kilpeacon,  and  the  name  written  Kilcomyn.  In  the 
same  hst  the  vicarage  of  this  church  is  mentioned  as 
belonging  to  the  prebend  of  St.  Munchin,  and  is  there 
written  Kilkoan,  value  21s.  6^d.  This  vicarage  is  also 
given  under  the  deanery  of  Kilmallock,  and  has  the 
same  value,  a  coincidence  sufficient  to  show  they  are 
the  same. 

In  the  taxation  of  1306,  it  is  written  Kilcoylan,  and 
there  is  no  reference  to  the  portions  of  it  belonging  to 
Kilpeacon  and  St.  Munchin' s.  In  this  list  of  14 18, 
Kilcomgayn  is  mentioned  as  belonging  to  St.  Munchin's. 
Kilpeacon  also  in  this  list  has  its  portion  under  the  name 
of  Hakinys,  while  it  is  mentioned  under  the  deanery 
of  Kilmallock  as  Hakinys  alias  Kylcommyn. 

In  the  hst  of  1615,  the  prebend  of  St.  Munchin  had 
the  rectory  of  Kilcloyn  and  Kilconegan,  which  may  be 
taken  as  equivalent  to  the  rectory  and  vicarage  of 
Kilquane.  In  this  list  also  Kilpeacon  is  mentioned  as 
still  retaining  its  portion  of  Kilquane  under  the  name 
of  Kilcoyn  alias  Hacknis. 

Rev.  Jasper  White's  list^  gives  the  church  of  Keil- 
chuain.  The  chapel  of  Keilchoimogan  alias  Keilng- 
hongue  as  belonging  to  the  prebend  of  St.  Munchin, 
and  the  chapel  of  Keilcoyne  alias  Hakins  as  belonging 
to  the  prebend  of  Kilpeacon.  In  his  list  of  the  benefices 
attached  to  the  dignities  of  the  diocese,  he  mentions 
St.  Munchin's  as  possessing  the  rectory  of  Keilnochon 


1  Black  Book,  p.    104 

2  See  Lenihan's  History  of  Limerick,  pp.  55S-565. 


ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS   OF  THE   DIOCESE.  261 

or  Keilineunghe,  which  I  take  to  mean  the  rectory  of 
Kilcloyn  as  given  in  1615  Ust  and  the  chapel  of  Keilchio- 
mogan  evidently  Kilconegan. 

The  prebend  of  Kilpeacon  had  attached  to  it  the 
rectory  of  the  chapel  of  Keilcuain  of  Aghennis,  which 
is  evidently  Kilquane  of  Hackins,  erroneously  placed  by 
White  in  the  deanery  of  Limerick,  and  in  the  parish  of 
Fedamore.  Probably  he  thought  that  as  it  was  joined 
to  Kilpeacon,  and  it  should  be  somewhere  near  it. 

From  this  we  may  conclude  that  Kilcomgan  was  in 
early  times  a  benefice,  a  portion  of  which  was  added  to 
the  prebend  of  Kilpeacon,  and  the  vicarage  to  St. 
Munchin's.  Later  on  the  rectory  and  vicarage  were 
attached  to  St.  Munchin's  which  would  now  be  included 
in  the  parish  of  Kilquane.  The  ruins  of  this  church 
are  situated  at  the  foot  of  Caher,  and  had  a  nave  and 
choir,  the  former  measures  thirty-eight  by  twenty-two 
and  a-half  feet,  and  the  latter  fourteen  feet  long.  There 
was  a  small  door  to  the  north  side  of  the  middle  gable 
with  double  lintel  and  inclined  jambs.  The  portion  of 
Kilquane  attached  to  Kilpeacon  may  be  that  place 
marked  on  the  Ordnance  Map  between  the  parishes 
of  Effin  and  Colman's  Well,  and  still  bearing  the 
name  of  Hakmys.  There  is  also  marked  the  site  of 
an  old  church  which  may  have  been  the  chapel  of 
Haknis. 

Ecclcsia  de  Cluaincourtha. 
(The  church  of  Colman's  Well.)     (See  1201  Ust.)     A 
good   deal   of    the    old    church    is    still     standing    but 
featureless. 

Ecclesia   de   Ardmafarlanc   spectat  Mensam   Episcopi. 
(Ardmafarlane  belongs  to  the  bishop's  table.)     (See 
1201  list.) 


262  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

Ecclesia  de  Balytankard  Priorissa  de. 
(The  church  of  Tankardstown.)     It  gives  its  name  to 
a  parish,  and  belonged  to  some  convent  the  name  of 
which  cannot  now  be  deciphered.     A  few  fragments  of 
the  old  church  remain. 

Ecclesia  de  Browrye,  Decanus  Rector  presentat  Vicarium 
(The   church   of   Bruree ;     the    dean    is   rector    and 
presents  the  vicar.)     (See  1201  list.) 

Ecclesia  Baly sward,  Decanus  Rector  et  presentat  Vicarium. 
(The  church  of  Howardstown  ;  the  dean  is  rector 
and  presents  the  vicar.)  This  church  was  called  some- 
times Culballysward,  and  is  now  known  as  Coolen,  and 
situated  in  the  north  part  of  the  townland  of  Howards- 
town  near  the  west  bank  of  the  Maigue.  In  the  year 
1284,  Alex  Godfred  of  Anud  (Anhid)  granted  the  townland 
of  Howardstown  to  John  de  Sanford,  Archbishop  of 
Dubhn,  to  which  bishopric  it  had  formerly  been  granted 
by  Hamo  de  Valoignes,  Lord  of  Askeaton,  about  the 
beginning  of  the  thirteenth  century.  It  was  taken 
unjustly  from  John  Dondon  by  M.  Fitzgerald  in  1289. 
John,  son  of  Peter  Daundon,  broke  into  and  robbed 
the  church  in  1318.  The  old  church  is  seventy-three 
feet  four  inches  by  twenty-two  feet  three  inches  ;  a 
portion  of  the  walls  are  still  standing. 

Ecclesia  de  Athlackach  ad  Rectoriam  ci  Vicariam  presentat 
Comes  Kyldairc. 

(The  church  of  Athlacca  (Flaggyford)  ;  the  Earl  of 
Kildare  presents  to  the  rectory  and  vicarage.)  The 
Protestant  church  is  built  on  the  ancient  site.  It  was 
dedicated  to   St.   John  the   Baptist.     There  is   another 


ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS  OF  THE   DIOCESE.  263 

church  called  Kilbruainy  in  the  townland  of  Tullerboy. 
It  is  forty-five  feet  by  twenty ;  fragments  of  the  walls 
still  remain.  Broney's  Well  is  near  it.  The  chapel  and 
well  of  St.  Lawrence  were  also  in  this  parish. 

Ec.  Drommynd  Com.  Kyld.  pres.  ad  Rec.  et  Vic. 

(The  church  of  Dromin  ;  the  Earl  of  Kildare  presents 
to  the  rectory  and  vicarage.)  It  was  dedicated  to  the 
Blessed  Trinity.  Trinity  Well  hes  to  the  south-west  in 
the  townland  of  Ballynamuddagh.  The  old  ruin  is 
fifty  feet  by  twenty  feet  two  inches,  the  walls  are  thirteen 
feet  by  two  and  a-half  feet.  At  the  west  end  are  to  be 
seen  the  remains  of  the  priest's  residence. 

Ecclesia    dc    Iwyrgear    et    Wrygdy    Rector    Priorissa    de 
Teagmolynd. 

(The  church  of  Uregare  and  of  Wrygdy,  rector  the 
prioress  of  Teagmolynd.)  The  old  ruin  has  disappeared, 
but  the  graveyard  marks  the  spot  where  it  stood. 
Uregare  =  Tubhar  gearra,  the  short  ewe  (Donovan). 
The  church  was  dedicated  to  St.  Margaret.  Wr\^gdy 
seemed  to  be  more  important  in  the  early  part  of  the 
thirteenth  century,  as  it  was  the  name  of  one  of  the 
Earl  of  Kildare's  manors.  The  old  church  was  near 
Ballygrinnane  castle  to  the  south. 

Ecclesia  de  Burgh,  Rector  ibidem  Magister  Hospitalis  de 
Any. 

(The  church  of  Bruff  ;  rectory  belongs  to  the  master 
or  prior  of  the  Hospitallers  of  Any.)  The  Protestant 
church  is  built  on  the  ancient  site.  It  was  dedicated 
to  St.  Peter  of  Alexandria,  26th  November. 

Ecclesia  de  Tulagbrck  Prehenda. 
(The  church  of  Tullabracky  a  prebend.)    (See  1201  hst.) 


264  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

Capella  dc  Camus  spcctat  ad  monasterium  de  May  ct 
debent  presentare  preshiterum  sccularem  episcopi 
singulis  annis  et  episcopus  hahct  jurisdictionem  super 
populares  ibidem  et  super  presbiterum. 

(The  chapel  of  Camus  pertains  to  the  monastery  of 
Monasteranenagh  which  is  bound  to  present  a  secular 
priest  every  year  to  the  bishop,  and  the  bishop  has 
jurisdiction  over  the  people  and  the  priest.)  There  is 
no  trace  of  the  original  building,  but  a  graveyard  marks 
the  spot. 

Ecclesia  de  Glcnorge,  Rector  Prior  dc  Athisscll  ct  prescntat 
Vicarium. 

(The  church  of  Glenogra  ;  rectory  belongs  to  the 
prior  of  Athissell  who  presents  the  vicar.)  Glenogra 
(Glenogra,  the  glen  of  Orgra,  pagan  chief  [O'Donovan]  ) 
was  dedicated  to  St.  Nicholas,  December  6th.  The  old 
ruin  is  near  the  castle  of  the  same  name,  and  is  sixty- 
nine  feet  long  by  twenty-one  and  a-half  wide.  There 
was  a  side  wing  attached  to  the  south  side  of  this  church 
measuring  twenty-nine  and  a-half  feet  by  twenty,  and 
perhaps  was  added  for  the  accommodation  of  the  lord 
of  the  castle.  The  chapel  1  of  St.  Kyran  was  attached 
to  this  church. 

Decanus  de  Adare 
(The  Deanery  of  Adare.) 

Ecclesia  ipsa  Adare  cujus  Rector ia  special  ad  monasterium 
et  conventum  ordinis  Sancti   Trinitatis  ct    Vicarium 
prescntat  Comes  Kyldare. 
(The    church   of  Adare;    the  rectory  belongs  to  the 

monastery  of  the  Trinitarians  (of  that  town).     The  Earl 

1  See  White's  List  in  Lenihan's  History  of  Limerick. 


ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  265 

■of  Kildare  presents  the  vicar.)  This  church  was  dedi- 
cated to  St.  Nicholas.  It  consisted  of  a  nave  and  chancel, 
the  former  fifty  feet  by  twenty-five,  the  latter  thirty-one 
feet  by  seventeen.  It  was  in  good  repair  in  1615,  and 
used  as  the  Protestant  church  down  to  the  beginning 
of  the  last  century. 

Ecclesia  de  Kyllonochon  de  Prchcnda  hahet  Vicarium. 

(The  church  of  Killonahan  belongs  to  a  prebend, 
and  hath  a  vicar.)  In  the  townlands  of  Corrabul, 
Killasragh,  and  Ballybronoge  there  were  old  churches 
which  have  disappeared.  There  was  also  one  in 
Garranroe  ;  the  site  is  marked  by  a  burial-ground. 

Ecclesia  de  Killynatan  vcndicahatur  per  Prehendariuni  de 

Kylhekan   sed   fuit   in   manu   episcopi   et    non   solvit 

Procurationes. 

(The    church    of    Killeenoghty   was    claimed    by    the 

prebend  of  Kilpeacon,  but  was  in  the  possession  of  the 

bishop  (see  1201  list)  and  did  not  pay  Proxy.) 

Ecclesia   de   Crommoth,   Rectoriam   et  Vicariam  prcsentat 
Comes  Kyldare. 
(The  church  of  Croom,  rectory  and  vicarage  presen- 
tation belonged  to  the  Earl  of  Kildare.)     The  Protestant 
church  is  built  on  the  old  site. 

Capella  Drumasscyll  special  ad  Ecclesiam  de  Crommoth 
solvit  procurationem  per  se. 
(The  chapel  of  Drumassal  belongs  to  the  church  of 
Croom  and  pays  Proxy  by  itself.)  Knockdrumassail 
was  the  ancient  name  of  Tory  Hill,  and  the  ruin  near 
the  south-west  of  the  hill  was  this   chapel. 


266  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

Capella  Say  non  solvit  procurationem  sed  debet  habere 
unum  capellarimn. 
(The  chapel  of  Say  does  not  pay  Proxy,  but  ought 
to  have  a  chaplain.)  Say  is  another  name  for  Caherass. 
The  ruins  of  this  church  stand  near  the  bank  of  the 
Maigue,   and   are  thickly  overgrown  with  ivy. 

Ec.  Dolyth  est  de  Rectoria  de  Crommoth. 
(The  chapel  of  Dollas  belongs  to  the  rectory  of  Croom.) 
The  site  of  this  chapel  is  forgotten  in  the  townland  of 
that  name. 

Ec.  Ville  Trostany  de   eadem  Rectoria  habet   Vicarium. 

(The  church  of  the  Ville  of  Trostany  (from  Triston  a 
family  name)  belongs  to  the  rectory  of  Croom,  and  hath 
a  vicar.)  In  the  list  of  1615,  Dunnaman  is  given  as  another 
name  for  this  church,  and  is  the  one  by  which  it  is  known 
at  present.  It  consisted  of  a  nave  and  choir,  the  former 
measures,  internally,  forty-three  feet  by  twenty-one,  and 
the  latter  twenty-three  feet  by  sixteen.  The  walls  are 
of  rough  masonry,  the  doors  and  windows  are  of  dressed 
sandstone.  It  is  locally  called  Teampul  na  Trionoide 
or  the  church  of  the  Trinity. 

Prebcnda  de  Prebenda  Disert  Engussa. 
(The  prebend  of  Dysert.)  (See  120 1  list.)  The  chapel 
of  Meranus,!  about  two  miles  east  of  Kilmacow  church, 
belonged  to  Dysert,  and  an  indulgence  was  granted  to  all 
contributing  to  the  repair  of  this  chapel,  which  was 
destroyed  by  frequent  wars. 

Prebenda  de  AtJinyd  est  Episcopi. 
(The  prebend  of  Anhid  belongs  to  the  bishop.)     (See 
1201  list.)' 

1  See  Papal  Letters  (State  Paper  Series). 


ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS  OF  THE    DIOCESE-  26/ 

Ec.  Drohidtarsna  de  Prehenda  St.  Munchini  habet  Vicarium. 
(The  church  of  Drohidtarsna  belongs  to  the  prebend 
of  St.  Munchin,  and  hath  a  vicar.)    The  Protestant  church 
is  built  on  the  old  site. 

Ec.    Gleande   Ec.    Monehuryn     Iste   II.  Ecclesie  dicunUir 
Kylcurnan. 

(Gleande  and  Monehuryn.  These  two  churches  are 
called  Kylcurnan  (Kilcornan).)  In  a  return  of  the  First 
Fruits  in  1427,  Cleaneagga  is  given  as  an  alias  for 
Kylcurnan,  which  shows  that  Kilcurnan  and  Gleande 
are  one  and  the  same  church.  Monehuryn  cannot  now 
be  identified,  but  in  the  parish  there  is  an  old  church 
called  Cowpark,  a  very  modern  name  perhaps ;  this 
may  be  the  old  church  of  Monehuryn. 

Capella  Russell  citjiis  ■presentatio  special  ad  Comitcm 
Kyldare. 

(Chapel  Russell  ;  the  presentation  belongs  to  the 
Earl  of  Kildare.)  This  is  a  small  parish  made  up  of 
three  townlands  including  the  village  of  Pallaskenry. 
The  present  Protestant  church  is  built  on  the  old  site. 

Ecclesia  Castri  Roherli  et  Capella  de  Kylkyrylle  special 
ad  Rector  em  et  Vicarium  de  Alhdare  et  dehcnt  habere. 
Capallanos. 

(The  church  of  Castle  Robert  and  the  chapel  of  Kilcurly 
belong  to  the  rector  and  vicar  of  Adare,  and  ought 
to  have  chaplains.)  The  church  of  Castle  Robert  was 
situated  in  the  south  of  the  parish  of  Adare.  The  ruins 
of  this  church  and  the  castle  of  the  same  name  were 
pulled  down,  about  the  end  of  the  eighteenth  century, 
to  build  a  bridge  across  the  Maigue.  Kylkyrylle  (see 
1201  hst). 


200  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

Prchenda  de  Ballycathan. 
(The  prebend  of  Ballycahane.)     (See  1201  list.) 

Ec.  Cluaynany  Red.  sp.  ad  Rec.  de  Crommoth  et  hahet  Vicar. 
(The  church  of  Cloonanna,  a  rectory  belonging  to  the 
rectory  of  Croom,  and  hath  a  vicar.)  The  ruins  of  this 
old  church  stand  on  a  rising  ground  commanding  a 
pleasant  prospect  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Maigue,  and 
to  the  north  of  Adare  parish.  A  few  fragments  of  the 
old  church  still  remain. 

Ecclesia  de  Kyldohhain  spcdat  ad  Cathcdralem. 
(The  church  of   Killgobbin  belongs  to  the  cathedral.) 
(See  1201  list.) 

Ec.  Kyldyma  ei  Kyldacolum  que  est  Prebenda  Archdiaconi 
et  hahet  Vicarium. 

(The  churches  of  Kildimo  and  Kildacolum  form  the 
archdeacon's  prebend  and  hath  a  vicar.)     (See  1201  list.) 

Prebenda  Ardcathny  hahet   Vicarium. 

(The  prebend  of  Ardcanny  hath  a  vicar.)  (See  1201 
list.) 

Decanatus  de  Garth 

(The  Deanery  of  Ballingarry). 
Unacum  Capella  de  Crouiman 
(With  one  chapel,  Cromman.) 

Cromman  was  a  part  of  the  manor  of  Mahoonagh 
in  1288.  According  to  Peyton  it  was  a  parish,  and 
called  Aglassnegroman,  and  would  correspond  with  the 
district  of  Feohanagh.  The  ruins  of  this  old  church  are 
situated  in  the  townland  of  Appletown,  and  a  few 
fragments  of  the  old  building  remain.  It  is  locally 
known  as  Auglish. 


ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS    OF   THE   DIOCESE.  269 

Ec.  Garth,  Rector  abbas  de  Kcynesham  et  prescntat  Vic- 
carium.  Habct  capellas  de  Senboih  ct  Kylmocho  in 
quibus  dcbcnt  Capillani  Ministrare. 

(The  church  of  Garth  (BaUingarry),  rector  the  abbot 
of  Keynesham  (Somersetshire,  England),  who  presents  the 
vicar.  It  has  two  chapels,  Senboth  and  Klymocho,  in 
which  two  chaplains  ought  to  officiate.) 

BaUingarry  church. — A  part  of  this  old  church  still 
remains,  viz.,  a  portion  of  the  east  gable  and  two  round 
headed  windows.  It  was  dedicated  to  St.  Evanjanus, 
August  ist.  Senboth  (old  hut,  now  written  Shanavoha) 
is  situated  in  the  townland  of  Granagh  or  Ballinleeny. 
The  walls  of  the  old  ruin  are  nearly  levelled  with  the 
ground. 

Kylmocho. — Kilmacow  church  is  in  the  townland  of 
the  same  name.  It  was  dedicated  to  St.  Colman, 
29th  October.  It  was  fifty-eight  feet  long  by  eighteen 
feet  three  inches  wide,  and  is  considered  a  very  old  church. 
The  greater  part  of  the  fabric  is  still  standing. 

Ec.  Corkmohid,  Rector  est  ccclesia  Cathedra/is  prcsentat 
Vicarium.  Habct  duas  capellas  Dromcolkylle  et 
Moyatha  in  quibus  debent  duo  capellani  ministrare. 

(The  church  of  Corcomohid,  a  rectory  belonging  to 
the  cathedral  church,  and  presents  the  vicar.  It  has 
two  chapels,  Dromcollogher  and  Moyatha,  in  which 
there  ought  to  be  officiating  chaplains.)  The  ruins  of 
the  old  church  are  situated  in  the  demesne  of  Castle- 
town Conyers,  and  was  dedicated  to  the  Purification  of 
the  Blessed  Virgin,  2nd  February.  It  was  about  one 
hundred  and  twenty  feet  by  twenty-nine  feet  nine  inches, 
internally,   and  is  still  in  a  fair  state  of  preservatior. 

Dromcollogher  (see  1201  list). 

Moyatha. — This  church  is  often  mentioned  before 
the  Reformation,  and  must  be  the  church  of  a  district. 


270 


DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 


I  think  it  must  be  the  old  name  for  Kilmeedy,  as  it  is 
mentioned  for  the  first  time  in  the  confiscations  of 
EUzabeth  as  Kilmeedy,  and  would  be  the  only  one 
answering  to  Moyatha,  and  Moyatha  may  be  a  cor- 
ruption of  Moida,  my  Ida  or  Ita,  St.  Ita. 

Ec.  Cluaincreame  Rectoria  Archdiaconi  pres.   Vic. 

(The  church  of  Cloncrew,  rector  the  archdeacon  who 
presents  the  vicar.)     (See  1201  hst.) 

Ecclesia  dc  Moytawnach  special  ad  prescntalioncm  Comilis 
Desmond  el  hahet  Vicarimn. 

(The  church  of  Mahoonagh,  the  presentation  pertains 
to  the  Earl  of  Desmond  and  hath  a  vicar.)     (See  1201  list.) 


MAHOONAGH     CHURCH. 


Ecclesia  de  Cluainelly  special  Commuiiitalem. 

(The    church   of  Clonelty   belongs  to   the   dean    and 
chapter.)     (See  1201  list.) 


ECCLESIASTICAL  AFFAIRS   OF   THE   DIOCESE.  27I 

Ec.  Magrayny  alias  Kyltcanych  special  ad  Communitatem. 
(The  church  of  Magrayny,   otherwise   Kiltanna,  be- 
longs to  the  dean  and  chapter.)     The  site  of  this  church  is 
pointed  out  in  the  townland  of  Kiltanna,  parish  of  Clonelty. 

Ec.  Cluaincalh  special  ad  Communilalem. 
(The  church  of  Cloncagh  belongs  to  the  dean   and 
chapter.)     Bishop   Hubert   granted  it   to   the   cathedral 
sometime  before  the  year  1250  for  the  purchase  and  repair 
of  books  and  vestments  of  that  church.     (See  1201  list.) 

Ecclesia  de  Crock  prehenda  habel  vicarium  cl  special  ad 
presenlationem  Comilis  Desmond. 
(The  church  of  Croagh  is  a  prebend,  and  hath  a  vicar. 
The  presentation  belongs  to  the  Earl  of  Desmond.)  This 
old  church  is  often  mentioned  in  the  thirteenth  century 
under  the  name  Mayncroo,  and  hath  a  chapel  Lismuck 
now  Lisn amuck.  The  ruins  of  the  old  church  of  Croagh 
are  to  be  seen  near  the  present  village  of  that  name. 
The  church  was  cruciform  in  shape,  and  had  been  used 
as  a  Protestant  church. 

Kylmc  Clitnane,  Recloria   esl  prehenda   Decani   presenlat 
Vicarium. 
(Kylmc  Cluane  (Cappagh),  rectory  belonging  to  the  pre- 
bend of  the  dean  who  presents  the  vicar.)    (See  1201  list.) 

Ecclesia    de  Cluainchener  est  de  prehenda   Cancellarii  et 
presenlat  ihi  Vicarium. 
(The  church  of  Clonshire   is   of  the  prebend  of  the 
chancellor  who  presents  the  vicar.)     (See  1201  list.) 

Ec.  Kylnafynygy,  Recloria  esl  prehenda  Decani  el  prcsenlal 
Vicarium. 
(The  church  of  Kilfinny,  a  rectory  belonging  to  the 
prebend    of  the  dean    who  presents    the    vicar.)     (See 
1201  hst.) 


272  diocese  of  limerick. 

Decanatus  de  Ardaciia 

(The  Deanen^  of  Ardagh). 

Ec.  Ar dacha  Prehenda  Archidiaccom. 

(The  church  of  Ardagh,  the  prebend  of  the  arch- 
deacon.)    (See  I20I  hst.) 

Ec.  de  Nova  Grangia  Monialium. 

(The  church  of  New  Grange  belongs  to  the  nuns.) 
The  ruins  of  this  church  are  about  one  hundred  yards 
cast  of  the  river  Deel,  and  about  the  same  distance 
north  of  the  road  leading  from  Newcastle  West  to 
Knockaderry.  The  ruin  is  in  a  fair  state  of  preservation, 
measuring  about  sixty-two  feet  by  twenty-one,  the  walls 
are  twelve  feet  high  and  three  feet  two  inches  thick. 
It  belonged  to  the  nuns  of  St.  Catherine's,  nov/  Old  Abbey, 
near  Shanagolden. 

Ec.  de  Novo  Castro,  Rector  et  Vicarius  presentantur  per 
Comitem  Desmond. 

(The  church  of  Newcastle  (West),  rector  and  vicar 
are  presented  by  the  Earl  of  Desmond.)  This  old 
church  was  situated  at  Churchstown,  but  the  present 
ruin  seems  to  be  a  post-Reformation  building,  and 
built  on  the  site  of  the  ancient  one.  It  was  dedicated 
to  St.  David,  ist  March,  whose  well  is  near  the  church- 
yard. Stephen  de  Clynton  was  rector  of  this  church 
in  the  year  1326. 

Ec.    Rathcathill,   Rector    et  Vicarius    presentantur    per 
Comitem    Dcs)nond. 

(The  church  of  Rathcahill,  rector  and  vicar 
are  presented  by  the  Earl  of  Desmond.)  Rathcahill 
first    occurs    in    the    hst    of    1302,    and    is    set    down 


ECCLESIASTICAL  AFFAIRS  OF   THE    DIOCESE.  273 

as  burned  in  1306.  Perhaps  after  the  burning  the 
new  church  was  built  in  the  townland  of  Monagay, 
still  retaining  the  official  name  of  Rathcahill,  but  as 
time  went  on,  especially  in  the  fifteenth  century,  it  is 
always  written  in  the  return  of  the  First  Fruits  as 
Rathcahill  alias  Monagay.  The  latter  name  prevailed, 
as  it  is  the  one  by  which  the  church  and  parish  were 
exclusively  known,  even  before  the  Reformation.  It 
may  be  remarked  that  in  the  Penal  days  the  Catholic 


MONAGAY    CHURCH. 


church  was  removed  to  Rathcahill,  and  is  written  Rath- 
cahill parish  in  Catholic  documents  of  that  sad  period: 
In  the  beginning  of  the  last  century  it  was  again  removed 
back  to  Monagay  where  the  parish  church  stands  beside 
the  old  ruin,  and  the  parish  is  now  known  by  the  old 
name  of  Monagay,  or  more  correctly,  Monagea  (the 
bog  of  the  geese).  The  old  ruin  is  in  a  fair  state  of 
preservation,  and  measures  eighty-seven  feet  by  twenty- 
seven  and  a-half. 


274  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

The  window  in  the  east  gable  has  two  cinque-foil 
headed  lights  with  a  square  hood  and  round  splay  arch. 
The  shaft  has  long  since  disappeared.  In  the  south 
wall  and  near  the  eastern  gable  is  a  window  like  the 
east  one,  but  has  a  flat  splay  arch.  Near  the  western 
gable  there  were  two  doorways  facing  each  other  in  the 
side  walls,  but  now  defaced.  In  the  north  wall  there 
are  two  windows,  one  in  the  middle  ogee  headed  light 
the  other  further  east  and  oblong  shaped.  White  gives 
the  chapel  of  Rathcahill  with  this  church,  evidently 
making  two  churches  out  of  the  one  on  the  principle 
already  remarked. 


Ec.  Killedy,  Prcbcnda  et  prcscntat  Vicarium. 

(The  church  of  Kileedy,  the  prebendary  presents  the 
vicar.)     (See  St.  lid's  Life.) 

Capella  Kyllayleach  et  Capclla  Dromcathmeach  in  montihiis 
spedat  ad  Rathcahill. 

(The  chapel  of  Killilagh  and  the  chapel  of  Dromcath- 
meach in  the  mountains  belong  to  Rathcahill.)  Killilagh 
was  the  church  for  the  detached  portion  of  the  parish 
near  the  village  of  Broadford.  This  church  is  given  in 
the  hst  of  1302,  but  has  long  since  disappeared.  The 
place  where  it  stood  is  still  pointed  out  near  the  village 
of  Broadford,  and  used  for  a  burial-ground  for  unbap- 
tized  children.  Dromcathmeach  it  is  also  written 
Dromachill.  It  may  be  another  name  for  Temple- 
glantin  near  the  borders  of  Abbeyfeale  parish.  The  old 
ruin  is  about  seventy  feet  long  by  thirty  wide,  about 
six  or  seven  feet  of  the  walls  still  remain.  Of  late  years 
it  is  much  used  as  a  burial-ground  by  the  inhabitants 
of  the  Tournafulla  district. 


ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS   OF   THE   DIOCESE.         275 

Capclla  Mauricii  alias  Rathronain  spcdat  ad  presentationem 
Thome  Oige. 

(Chapel  Maurice,  otherwise  Rathronan,  the  presen- 
tation belongs  to  Thomas  Oige.)  This  old  church  formerly 
stood  about  a  mile  north  of  Ardagh  a  little  to  the  east 
of  the  Shanagolden  road.  The  Protestant  church  of 
that  name  now  occupies  the  old  site. 

Ec.  Donergismachmore  alias  Eaglas  Montin. 

(The  church  of  Derrenmoymore,  otherwise  Eglas 
Montin  1  (Mointin),  e.g.,  the  church  of  the  little  bog.) 
In  the  first  name  we  recognize  Magmore  of  the  1201 
list.  The  ruins  of  this  old  church  is  now  called  Tempi e- 
athea.  It  was  a  large  oblong  building.  The  portion 
of  the  walls  now  remaining  are  featureless.  White's 
MS.  makes  two  churches  out  of  this  one. 

Ec.  Killocholiathan  special  ad  Priorcm  el  convenlum  de 
Kellys  el  habel  vicarium  ct  secundum  anliquos  rolulos 
fuil  de  decanalus  de  Ardagh  nunc  de  Garlh. 

(The  church  of  Killagholehan  =  Kill  aca  liathain, 
O'Liathain's  field  (O'Donovan),  belongs  to  the  Prior 
of  Kells  (in  Ossory),  was  formerly  in  the  deca- 
nate  of  Ardagh,  now  in  Garth  or  Ballingarry.)  (See 
1201  Hst.) 

Glounore. 

This  church  is  in  the  parish  of  Monagay,  and  is  not 
mentioned  in  any  list.  It  is  locally  known  as  Temple  na 
hinghine-Baoit,  evidently  called  after  the  Dalcassian  saint, 
daughter  of  Baoith,  patroness  of  Kilnaboy,  near  Inchiquin 
Lake,  Co.  Clare.  It  measures  sixty-seven  feet  by  eighteen 
-and  a-half ,  and  a  good  deal  of  the  walls  are  still  standing. 

1  See  Joj'ce's  Ii-ish  Names  of  Places,  ist  series,  p.  468. 


276  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

It  was  surrounded  by  a  mound  or  ditch  which  was 
levelled  some  years  ago.  The  field  on  which  it  is  built 
was  tilled,  and  during  the  process  a  paved  passage 
was  found  leading  from  the  door  towards  Glenquin 
castle.  It  may  have  been  a  chapel  of  ease  for  the 
occupant  of  that  baronial  pile. 

Decanatus  de  Rathgell 

(The  Deanery  of  Rathkeale). 

Eci  Rathgell  Prehenda  Cancellarii  unacum  cap.  de 
Kilcoleman  superiori. 

(The  church  of  Rathkeale  belongs  to  the  prebend  of 
the  chancellor,  has  one  chapel,  Kilcolman  superior.) 
The  Protestant  church  occupies  the  site  of  this  old 
church.  It  was  dedicated  to  the  Holy  Trinity.  Kil- 
colman superior  is  situated  in  the  townland  of  that  name 
near  Knockaderry  hill,  and  is  often  confounded  with 
Kilcolman  inferior,  which  is  between  Dunmoylan  and 
Ardagh.  The  church  has  almost  disappeared,  but  there 
is  a  large  grave3^ard  there. 

Ec.  Kylscannill,  Cancellarius   Rector   presentat    Vicarhwu 

(The  church  of  Kilscannell,  the  chancellor  is  rector 
and  presents  the  vicar.)     (See  1201  list.) 

Ec.   Cloai7ieach  Cane.  Red.  in  ftodo  laico  Prec.  in  feodo 
ecclesiastico  habet  Vicarium. 

(The  church  of  Clonagh  hath  a  vicar ;  the  chancellor 
is  rector  in  the  la}^  tenure,  and  the  precentor  in  the 
ecclesiastical  tenure.)     (See  1201  list.) 

Ec.  Nantenan  Prehenda  Precentoris. 

(The  church  of  Nantinan  belongs  to  the  prebend  of 
the  precentor.)     (See  1201  list.) 


ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  277 

Ec.  Rathnascr  est  capclla  Prcccntoris. 

(The  church  of  Rathnaseer,  chapel  of  the  precentor.) 
The  ruin  is  in  a  fair  state  of  preservation  and  is  con- 
sidered an  early  church.)     (See  1201  list.) 

Ec.  de  Innkcfti  que  spedat  ad  Abbatem  de  Keynesha:n 
quoad  Rectoriam,  et  presentat  ibi  Vicarium  et  habet 
capcUam  de  Orossa  in  quam  deservit  capellanus. 

(The  church  of  Askeaton  ;  rector,  the  abbot  of  Ke3mes- 
hain,  who  presents  the  vicar,  has  the  chapel  of  Orossa 
where  a  chaplain  officiates.)  The  church  of  Askeaton  is 
near  the  town  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Deel,  and  has  the 
remains  of  an  old  belfry  still  standing  which  is  square 
below  and  octagonal  above ;  the  east  of  the  chancel  is 
also  standing. 

Ec.   de   Lismactire  que  est  integralis  et  spectat  ad  presen- 
tacionem  Lees  de  Garth. 

(The  church  of  Lismakerry,  which  is  entire  ;  the 
presentation  belongs  to  Lees  or  Lacy  of  Ballingarry.) 
This  church  is  built  on  an  eminence  and  commands 
an  extensive  view.  It  also  belonged  to  Keynesham, 
and  at  the  time  of  the  confiscations  of  monasteries, 
passed  as  a  part  of  its  possessions  to  Sir  R.  Boyle, 
1603.  This  is  considered  a  fifteenth-century  church, 
measuring  fifty-nine  feet  by  twenty-two  and  a-half. 
It  is  in  a  fair  state  of  preservation.  In  1615  this 
church  was  in  good  repair,  and  well  supplied  with 
books  and  other  necessaries. 

Ec.    de  Drundele    Prebenda    Precentoris    et    Vicarium 
presentat. 

(The  church  of  Tomdeely  belongs  to  the  prebend  of 
the  precentor  who  presents  the  vicar.)     (See  1201  Hst.) 


78  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

Ec.  Castro  Robto.  Downdonill  cujus  presentacio  spectai  ad 
M.  Seoin  Oge. 

(The  church  of  Castle  Robert  Doondonnell ;  the  pre- 
sentation belongs  to  M.  Seoin  Oge.)  The  ruins  of  this 
church  are  situated  about  one  mile  west  of  Rathkeale. 
It  measures  about  forty-five  feet  by  twenty-one  and  a 
half.  The  gables  have  long  since  fallen,  but  there  is 
about  twenty-six  feet  of  the  north  wall  remaining,  two 
defaced  windows,  and  a  pretty  round  arched  door.  It 
was  dedicated  to  St.  Mary  Magdalen,  and  beside  it  is  a 
well  dedicated  to  St.  Molua. 

A  document  called  the  Registry  of  Clonmacnoise 
contains  an  account  of  the  various  lands  granted  to  that 
monastery  by  several  proiincial  kings  and  principal 
chieftains  as  a  purchase  for  the  right  of  sepulture  for 
themselves  and  their  descendants  within  its  hallowed 
precincts.  The  following  notice  of  Doondonnell  occurs 
in  it.  After  mentioning  MacCarthy  More's  grant  it 
mentions  that : — 

There  1  was  discord  between  Gerald-n-corn  from  whom 
the  Geraldines  are  descended  and  Macarthy  More,  that  the 
said  Gerald  took  the  choice  place  of  MacCarthy  in  Temple 
Finyn  in  Cluain,  and  had  given  for  the  same  in  Dun  Domnall 
(Doondonnell)  in  Conallaghe  (Connelloe),  six  days  there 
and  six  days  given  by  Rydalagh  to  the  church  of  Dun 
Donmall  in  Ridelogh  his  own  town  (Riddlestown),  so  that 
there  are  twelve  days  in  Dun  Domnall  east  and  west,  and 
the  head  of  a  mill  and  the  great  island  (in  the  Deel)  in 
Mortmaine  to  the  said  church,  and  ye  part  of  the  water 
weares  belonging  to  ye  great  island  is  the  black  weare,  and 
in  the  parish  of  Dun  Domnall  there  are  but  six  quarters 
or  six  plowlands,  and  the  whole  doth  belong  to  ye  church, 
together  with  all  kind  of  tithe  in  those  sexe  plowlands,  and 

f  1  See  Petrie's  Round  Towers,  p-  269. 


ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS    OF   THE    DIOCESE. 


279 


also  ye  baptising ;  and  the  said  Gerald  paid  of  his  own  part 
of  Ach  Dara  (Adare)  four  fat  beeves,  and  48  dales  in  Kill- 
cluayn,  whereof  there  are  4  dales  in  Bregoig,  and  48  dales 
in  Darire,  and  48  dales  In  Killcynyl,  and  48  dales  in  Kill 
Drochayle,  and  sixe  dales  in  Croomaigh  (Croom),  and  the 
baptising,  together  with  the  tithes  of  the  town  of  Croomaigh, 
and  Gerald  gave  this  in  Mortmaine  to  ye  church  called 
Teample  Finyn  in  Clualn  (Clonmacnolse). 

When  this  grant  was  made  it  is  not  easy  to  determine- 
It  would  seem  to  be  before  the  thirteenth  century,  as 
Doondonnell  was  in  the  possession  of  Keynsham  before 
the  year  1237.  The  castle  was  sometimes  called  Harold's 
Castle,  whence  Cloghnarld,  a  name  by  which  the  church 
is  known  in  some  documents  as  we  shall  see  later  on. 

Ec.  Kilhradran  cujus  Rector  Prior  de  Athissell  prcsentat 
Vicariiun. 

(The  church  of  Kilbradran ;  rector,  the  prior  of 
Athissell,    who   presents   the   vicar.     The   ruins  of   this 


KILBRADRAN   CHURCH. 


280  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

old  church  are  near  the  hill  of  the  same  name,  and  are 
in  a  fair  state  of  preservation.  It  originally  consisted 
of  a  nave  and  choir.  The  nave  is  thirty-five  feet  by 
seventeen  feet  eight  inches,  and  the  walls  about  fourteen 
feet  by  two  and  a-half.  In  the  south  wall  near  the 
western  gable  there  is  a  round-headed  door  and  a  plain 
window  in  the  same  wall  further  east.  The  choir  as  well 
as  the  choir  arch  have  long  since  disappeared.  This 
church  was  granted  to  Athissell  early  in  the  thirteenth 
century,  as  it  was  recovered  by  the  bishop  about  1253, 
and  regranted  again  to  that  monastery.  It  was  dedi- 
cated to  St.  Brendan,  i6th  of  May. 

Ec.  Kilcolmain  inferior  cujus  rector  idem  Prior  et  prcsentat 
ibi  Vicarium. 

(The  church  of  Kilcolman  inferior ;  rector,  the  prior 
of  Athissell,  who  presents  the  vicar.)  This  church,  like 
Kilbradran,  belonged  to  the  monastery  of  Athissell, 
and  was  surrendered  at  the  same  time,  and  again  re- 
granted  to  the  monastery.  Both  are  mentioned  as  part 
of  its  possessions  at  the  confiscation  of  monasteries  in 
Ireland.  The  old  ruin  is  now  in  a  very  dilapidated 
condition,  only  parts  of  the  side  walls  are  standing. 
St.  Colman's  well  is  at  the  north  side  of  the  hill  neatly 
walled  in  where  rounds  are  paid.  The  feast  is  celebrated 
on  the  29th  of  October. 

Ec.  Downmoylin  cujus  Rector  Moniales  presentat  Vicarium. 

(The  church  of  Dunmoylan  ;  rector,  the  nuns,  who 
present  the  vicar.)  There  is  only  one  side  wall  of  this 
old  church  standing,  but  from  the  fragments  of  cut  stone 
that  are  lying  near  the  ruin  it  must  have  had  a  pointed 
doorway.  It  belonged  to  the  monastery  of  St.  Catherine 
near  Shanagolden,  now  known  as  "  Old  Abbey."  In 
former  times  it  was  used  as  a  burial-ground. 


ECCLESIASTICAL    AFFAIRS    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  281 

Ec.  Dissert  Marigeoi  de  Prcb.  Prcccntoris. 
(The  church  of  Dysert  Marigeoi  (Morgans)  belongs  to 
the  prebend  of  the  precentor.)     (See  1201  hst.) 

Capclla  Minit  spectat  ad  Communitatem. 
(The    chapel    of    Minit    belongs     to   the    dean   and 
•chapter.)     It    was   situated  somewhere  near  Tomdeely, 
but  its  site  is  now  forgotten. 

Ec.  de  Castro  Rohcrti  Goer,  Rccioria  ct  Vicaria. 

(The  church  of  Robert  Goer,  rectory  and  vicarage.) 
This  church  is  now  known  as  Robertstown,  and  gives  its 
name  to  a  parish.  The  old  ruin  is  a  late  building, 
thirty-seven  feet  by  nineteen  and  a-half,  has  a  pointed 
■door,  defaced  windows,  and  the  side  walls  are  about 
fourteen  feet  high.  It  takes  its  name  from  Robert  Goer, 
who  settled  down  there  early  in  the  thirteenth  century. 
The  prioress  of  St.  Catherine's  had  the  presentation  of 
the  vicar  to  this  church,  but  failed  to  present  Norman 
Fitzrichard  in  1306. 

Ec.  Scanguala  Prchenda  Prcccntoris  prescntat   Vicarium. 

(The  church  of  Shanagolden  belongs  to  the  prebend 

of  the  precentor  who  presents  the  vicar.)    (See  1201  list.) 

Ec.  Leankail  pars  Prchcnde  Prcccntoris. 
(The  church  of  Loughill,  part  of  the  prebend  of  the 
precentor.)     (See  1201  hst.) 

Ec.  Kilfeargnssa  in  feodo  laico  spectat  ad  Communitatem 
in  feodo  Ecclesiastico  ad  preccntorem  ct  prescntat  Vicarium. 

(The  church  of  Kilfeargussa  (Glin)  in  the  lay  tenure 
belongs  to  the  chapter,  in  the  ecclesiastical  tenure  to  the 
precentor,   who  presents  the  vicar.) 


282  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

Ec.  Kilmolan  Red.  Comima  et  prcsentat  Vicarium. 

(The  church  of  Kilmoylan ;  rector,  the  "  common 
fund.")  This  church  is  situated  in  the  east  end  of  the 
parish  of  that  name.  It  is  a  small  modern  building, 
measuring  thirty-five  feet  by  eighteen.  The  door  is 
of  hammered  stones  with  flat  lintel  resting  on  corbels. 

Kyllmurille  Red.  in  feodo  laico  Communitatem  in  feodo 
Ecclesiastico  presentoris  presentat  Vicarium. 

(The  church  of  Kilmurrily  ;  rector,  in  lay  tenure  the 
chapter,  and  in  ecclesiastical  tenure  the  precentor,  who 
presents  the  vicar.)     (See  1201  list.) 

Ec,  Iniscathigh. 
The  history  of  this  church  will  be  given  later  on. 

Churches  not  mentioned  in  this  list  but  belonging 
to  the  Deanery  : — 

The  church  of  Shanid  was  granted  to  the  cathedral 
by  Thomas  Fitzgerald  sometime  before  1250.  The  site 
of  this  church  is  still  pointed  out  in  the  townland  of 
Waterpark  near  the  old  castle. 

There  was  a  chapel  in  Achinis  Island,  according  to 
White,  but  now  no  trace  of  it  is  to  be  found. 

Knockpatrick. 

The  ruins  of  this  church  are  situated  on  the  top  of 
the  hill  of  that  name  overlooking  Foynes.  A  part  of 
the  old  building  still  remains. 

This  list  gives  a  fair  idea  of  the  number  of  parochial 
churches  that  were  in  the  diocese,  and  the  system  of 
organization  that  prevailed  at  the  time  it  was  compiled. 

At  the  Synod  of  Rathbreasail,  as  we  have  already 
seen,  the  system  of  church  government  in  IrelandJ]was 


ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  283 

brought  more  or  less  into  conformity  with  that  of  the 
Continent,  and  the  moving  spirit  in  effecting  the  change 
was  Gillebert,  Bishop  of  Limerick,  who,  no  doubt,  im- 
mediately introduced  it  into  his  own  diocese.  At  the 
Synod  of  Cashel  (1172)  there  is  reference  made  to  paro- 
chial churches,  which  proves  that,  at  least  before  the 
coming  of  the  Normans,  there  was  some  s^^stem 
corresponding  to  the  parochial  one  in  existence.  The 
churches  in  the  Hst  of  1201  were  undoubtedly  district  or 
parochial  churches,  which  were  endowed  by  the  Celtic 
chiefs  after  the  Celtic  fashion. 

Tithes. 

When  the  Normans  gained  possession  of  the  lands 
of  the  diocese,  they  acquired  a  certain  dominion  over 
the  churches  called  patronage,  which  was  extensively 
used  in  favour  of  the  monasteries.  They  also  enforced 
the  system  of  paying  tithes,  which  meant  that  the  in- 
habitants of  a  parish  had  to  pay  to  the  maintenance  of 
the  church,  the  tenth  of  the  produce  of  the  soil,  as  well 
as  the  tenth  of  the  capital  skill  and  industry  of  the 
occupant. 1 

This  tax  was  divided  into  the  great  and  small  tithes, 
the  former  consisted  of  the  tithes  of  corn  of  all  kind, 
hay  and  wood — the  latter  of  those  flax,  hemp,  fruit, 
herbs,  personal  industry,  and  such  Hke.  The  spiritual 
person  who  enjoyed  the  great  tithes  was  called  the  rector, 
and  his  portion  the  rectorial  tithes.  He  was  not 
necessarily  bound  to  reside  in  or  discharge  any 
duty  in  the  parish,  but  should  always  be  a  spiritual 
person. 

The  rector,  if  he  did  not  himself  discharge  the  duties 
of  the  parish,  should  provide  and  present  to  the  bishop 

1  See  Jacob's  Law  Dictionary;  and  Growth  of  Parish  System,  by 
Dr.  Donnelly,  Catholic  Truth  Society,  Ireland. 


284  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

a  clergyman  capable  of  fulfilling  the  duties,  and  bound 
to  residence.  He  was  called  vicar,  and  was  in  reality 
the  parish  priest.  He  was  put  in  possession  of  the  less 
or  vicarial  tithes,  and  was  also  entitled  to  the  personal 
offerings  for  baptism,  marriage,  etc.  When  the  rec- 
torate  of  a  parish  was  vested  in  a  religious  community 
of  men  or  women,  such  as  Kilbradran  or  Dunmoylan, 
and  many  other  parishes  in  the  diocese,  the  parish  was 
said  to  be  appropriated,  and  the  religious  house  had  the 
privilege  of  appointing  the  vicar,  who  was  removable 
at  will,  and  often  poorly  paid.  To  remedy  this  evil 
an  enactment  was  made  in  1392,  that  in  every  licence 
for  the  appropriation  of  a  parish  church,  the  vicarage 
should  be  sufiiciently  endowed.  In  1403  it  was  decreed 
"  that  from  thenceforth,  in  every  church  appropriated 
there  should  be  a  secular  clergyman  ordained  vicar 
perpetual,  canonically  instituted  and  inducted,  and  fully 
endowed  to  do  divine  service,  and  to  inform  the  people 
and  to  keep  hospitality  there  ;  and  that  no  religious 
should  in  any  wise  be  made  vicar  in  any  church 
appropriated." 

This  law  gave  the  vicars,  who  were  the  actual  parish 
priests,  fixity  of  tenure,  and  rendered  them  irremovable 
except  for  some  canonical  fault,  and  a  vicarage  thus 
endowed  became  a  distinct  benefice  the  patronage  of 
which  was  vested  in  the  appropriator.  This  law  did 
not  extend  to  the  appropriations  made  before  1392, 
and  thus  it  happened  that  no  vicar  was  endowed  in  some 
appropriated  churches.  In  this  case  the  officiating 
clergyman  was  appointed  by  the  appropriator,  and  called 
a  perpetual  curate.  He  received  his  appointment  by 
virtue  of  the  bishop's  licence  only,  without  institution 
or  induction.  Another  kind  of  perpetual  curacy  arose 
from  the  erection  in  a  parish  of  a  chapel  of  ease,  subject 
to  the  mother  church,  in  which  case  the  pastor  of  the 
mother  church  was  regarded  as  the  appropriator.    These 


ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  285 

details  will  be  fully  illustrated  in  the  following  appoint- 
ments to  benefices  ^  : — 

1400  A.D.  Denis  Eachaerna  (Ahern)  was  appointed 
to  Ardcahny  (Ardcanny),  later  on  in  the  year  Denis 
was  to  be  deprived  of  this  canonry  for  publicly  practising 
the  art  of  Medicine  for  money  to  the  opprobrium  of 
his  clerical  state.  John  Fox  to  Ballegadiff  (Ballin- 
gaddy).  Denis  Eachaerna  to  Kyllfyntynayn  (Kilfin- 
tenan,  popularly  known  as  Cratloe). 

1401.  Maurice  O'Coggran  to  Derregalwan  (Derri- 
galvan). 

1402.  John  Chanluayn  to  Ardcanny.  Richard  Wyite 
(White)  to  Rathronan.     Donald  O'Hagan  to  Kilbradran. 

1404.  Maurice  Coggran,  Canon  of  Lismore,  to  the 
prebend  of  Tullybrachy  (Tullabrachy). 

1405.  Thomas  O'Kealloygth  O'Broggy,  priest  of  the 
diocese  of  Killaloe,  who  studied  canon  law  for  several 
years,  was  appointed  to  Kylchurnan  (Kilcornan)  and 
the  prebend  of  Donaghmore. 

Nicholas  MacNamara  of  Kyllstyntanaw  (Kilfintenan), 
by  mandate  from  the  Pope,  was  collated  and  assigned 
the  rectories  or  parish  churches  of  Bunratty  and  Quin, 
as  well  as  those  of  Tradey  and  O'Kassyn,  which  livings 
were  formerly  held  by  Matthew  MacNamara. 

1406.  Florence  O'Cathail  or  O'Ruagyn,  clerk  of  the 
diocese  of  Kilfenora,  was  appointed  to  the  perpetual 
vicarage  of  Kilkyde  (Kilkeedy)  in  the  diocese  of  Limerick, 
void  by  the  death  of  Maurice  O'Huallachan. 

Wilham  O'Dwyer,  priest  of  the  diocese  of  Cashel,  was 
appointed  to  the  Prebend  of  Tullabrachy. 

1411.  Thomas  Osyche,  priest  of  the  diocese,  who 
intended  studying  letters,  was  promoted  to  the  perpetual 


1  These  appointments  are  taken  from  Bliss,  Papal  Registers,  State 
Paper  Series. 


286  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

vicarage  of  Killscannell,  void  because  Thomas  Caenrach 
obtained  and  held  it  with  an  entire  rectory  in  Meath. 

Thomas  Saleys  or  Cristour,  priest  of  the  diocese,  if 
found  fit  in  Latin  to  be  appointed  to  the  still  void  per- 
petual vicarage  of  Garthbiboys  (Ballingarry),  as  it  is 
doubted  whether  the  presentation,  on  its  voidance  by 
the  death  of  Thomas  Ymalcorka,  by  its  ancient  patron 
the  abbot  of  St.  Mary's  Keynsham,  in  the  diocese  of 
Bathto,  and  his  institution  by  Bishop  Cornelius,  held 
good. 

1413.  Thady  O'Connuyl  to  be  promoted  to  Holy 
Orders  and  hold  the  canonry  of  Ardcanny,  which  was 
made  void  by  the  deposition  of  Denis  O'Hachgearna  for 
his  faults  and  demerits. 

1414.  William  Russell,  clerk  of  the  diocese  of  Limerick, 
was  collated  and  assigned  the  canonry  of  Ardcanny, 
as  Thady  died  before  obtaining  possession. 

Thomas  O'Doncha,  priest  of  the  diocese,  to  the 
perpetual  vicarage  of  Kilmallock,  void,  the  death  of 
John  Archer,  the  dean  and  chapter  of  Limerick  in  ac- 
cordance with  ancient  custom  presented  Thomas  to 
Bishop  Cornehus  who  instituted  him.  The  Holy  See 
doubted  the  validity  of  this  mode  of  appointment  and 
reappoints  Thomas. 

The  Annates  or  First  Fruits. 

The  Annates  or  First  Fruits  was  a  tax  promised 
and  made  payable  to  the  Holy  See  by  all  incumbents 
of  such  benefices  as  were  reserved  to  the  Holy  See,  under 
the  several  Rules  and  Regulations  of  the  Papal  Chancery, 
or  Apostolic  Chamber,  as  it  was  legally  described.  This 
subsidy  was  levied  off  ecclesiastical  benefices  worth  not 
less  than  24  florins,  and  amounted  to  one-half  of  the 
first  year's  revenue  of  the  benefice.  It  was  payable 
once  only,  and  that  six  months  after  the  incumbent  got 


ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS   OF  THE   DIOCESE.         287 

peaceable  possession  of  the  living.  If  he  failed  to  pay 
within  the  six  months,  but  not  through  his  own  fault, 
the  officials  of  the  Apostolic  Chamber  gave  additional 
time  for  payment,  or  remitted  the  whole  or  part  of  the 
debt  according  to  the  needs  of  the  case.  If  the  non- 
payment was  culpable  on  the  part  of  the  incumbent, 
eo  ipso,  the  benefice  became  void.  The  manuscript 
containing  the  Register  of  first  fruits  is  preserved  in 
the  library  called  Archivio  di  Stato  Romano,  situated 
in  a  rather  unfrequented  street  in  Rome,  and  at  present 
under  the  care  of  the  Italian  Government. 

The  Very  Rev.  M.  A.  Costello,  O.P.,  Rome,  has 
transcribed  the  Annates  of  all  the  dioceses  of  Ireland, 
which  will  soon  appear  in  book  form.  He  very  kindly 
lent  me  the  portion  of  his  manuscript  relating  to  Limerick. 
It  supplies  an  amount  of  new  and  valuable  information 
hitherto  unknown,  and  throws  a  flood  of  light  on  many 
dark  and  obscure  points  of  our  history. 

The  following  refer  to  Bishop  O'Dea's  reign  : — 

142 1.  Nicholas,  Abbot  of  the  monastery  of  Magio 
(Monasteranenagh),  Cistercian  Order,  diocese  of  Limerick, 
as  principal  and  private  person,  bound  himself  in  the 
name  of  Thomas  O'  Rywrdan  (O'Riordan)  to  the  Apostolic 
Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  perpetual  vicarage 
of  the  parochial  church  of  Corcumhyd  (Corcomohide), 
same  diocese,  value  15  marcs,  according  to  common 
estimation,  vacant  by  the  non-promotion  (to  Holy 
Orders)   of  Denis  Mackynnery   (MacEnery). 

Dyonisuis  Day  (O'Dea),  Bishop  elect  of  Ossory, 
principal,  bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for 
the  first  fruits  of  the  precentorship  of  Limerick,  value 
£20,  vacant  by  the  promotion  of  the  suppliant. 

Robert  Holhgan  of  Cork,  principal,  bound  himself 
to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the 
canonry  and  prebend  of  Tullabracky,  value  26    marcs, 


288  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

vacant  by  the  promotion  of  Richard  to  the  Arclibishopric 
of  Cashel. 

Robert  Howgan  of  Cork,  principal,  bound  himself 
to  the  Apostohc  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the 
chancellorship  of  Limerick,  value  50  marcs,  vacant  by 
the  death  of  Thomas  Fitzjohn  de  Geraldinis. 

William  O'Conyre  (Connery),  principal,  bound  himself 
to  the  Apostohc  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the 
parochial  church  of  Handeys  (Athneasy),  value  12  marcs, 
vacant  by  the  non-promotion  (to  Holy  Orders)  of  the 
suppliant.  Also  for  the  fruits  unduly  received  he  bound 
himself  to  pay  16  florins  within  a  year. 

William  O'Conyre,  discretus  vir,  cleric  of  the  diocese 
of  Limerick,  personally  bound  himself  for  the  fruits 
unduly  received  from  the  parochial  church  of  Handeys 
(Athneasy),  because  he  held  the  said  church  for  more 
than  a  year  without  a  dispensation,  not  being  in  Holy 
Orders.  It  was  valued  at  12  marcs,  and  he  bound 
himself  to  pay  16  golden  florins  for  the  fruits  unduly 
received  within  eight  months  under  pain  of  excommuni- 
cation. 

1425.  Patrick  O'Kyalare  (Kelleher),  principal,  bound 
himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits 
of  the  perpetual  vicarage  of  the  parochial  church  of  St. 
Mary,  Corkymoyhed  (Corcomohide),  vacant  by  the 
non-promotion  (to  Holy  Orders)  of  Dionisii  MacKeniery. 
Evidently  Thomas  O'Riordan  did  not  obtain  possession, 

1426.  Laurence  O'Kaellaygy  (O' Kelly),  principal, 
bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first 
fruits  of  the  perpetual  vicarage  of  Seanguala  (Shana- 
golden),  value  8  marcs,  vacant  by  the  non-promotion 
(to  Holy  Orders)  of  Laurence  O'Kaellaygy. 

John  Mothel  (1426-1458). 
John  Mothel,  an  Augustinian  Canon  of  the  abbey  of 
Kells,  Co.  Kilkenny,  was  appointed  Bishop  of  Limerick, 


ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS   OF  THE    DIOCESE.         289 

by  provision  of  Martin  V.  Very  little  is  known  con- 
cerning the  early  years  of  his  episcopate.  A  record  of 
two  inquisitions  that  were  held  at  his  court  at  Tullabracy 
is  still  extant.  The  first  was  held  in  the  year  1440,1 
before  Tady  O'Cathyl,  seneschal  of  the  bishop,  with  the 
following  jury  :  Sehan  Mayon,  Gog  Obochane,  Donaldus 

,    Sehan    Pharell,    Gyllepatrick    O'Griffa,    Thomas 

O'Kewo,  Thadeus  O'Hu,  Ricuo  Howet,  relative  to 
certain  charges  and  concerning  unoccupied  lands  be- 
longing to  the  bishop's  property  there. 

The  other  inquisition  was  held  in  1447,  and  presided 
over  by  the  bishop  himself,  assisted  by  Robert  Stancon, 
Eoy  Obochane,  Sehan  Pharell,  Michael  Fyn,  Richard 
Mcjonyn,  Richard  Duff,  Thomas  O'Morvie,  Thomas 
O'Boggane,  Cornelius  O'Moryo,  William  Blowet,  who 
dispose  on  their  oath,  that  in  whatever  way  the  tenants 
of  Tullabrackey  did  work  by  their  horses  and  cattle  for 
themselves,  they  would  do  likewise  for  the  Bishop  of 
Limerick. 

The  province  of  Munster  seems  to  be  in  a  peaceful 
state  in  1453,  as  the  bishops  of  the  ecclesiastical  province 
of  Cashel  assembled  at  Limerick  and  held  a  synod,  at 
which  many  useful  laws  were  made  for  the  benefit  of 
the  Church.  Fortunately  these  laws,  numbering  120,  are 
extant,  and  furnish  incidentally  a  quaint  picture  of  the 
times  they  refer  to. 

A  synopsis  of  the  most  interesting  of  these  decrees  ^ 
is  given  here  : — 

(I.)  Ordinaries  should  pay  attention  and  make  enquiries 
annually  how  the  divine  offices  are  celebrated  in  their 
dioceses,  and  take  care  that  the  Sundays  and  feast  days 
should  be  reverently  observed. 

1  Black  Booh,  p.  141. 

2  These  decrees,  in  the  origmal  Latin,  will  be  given  in  full  in  the 
Appendix. 


290  DIOCESE  OF   LIMERICK. 

(2.)  That  ministers  of  churches  should  say  the  canonical 
hours  in  their  churches  on  all  Sundays  and  holidays,  and 
week-days  as  often  as  possible.  The  bell  ought  to  be  rung 
three  times  before  commencing  Mass  and  the  other  divine 
offices  on  Sundays  and  holidays,  and  also  thrice  on  week- 
days, the  excommunicated  and  interdicted  are  to  be  ex- 
cluded, under  pain  of  a  line  of  40  pence,  payable  by  the 
exorcists  and  curates  to  the  bishop  at  the  time  of  his  visitation 
or  to  his  official.  All  the  faithful  are  to  cease  from  all  civil 
works  on  Sundays  and  holidays,  and  come  together  in  the 
churches  to  hear  the  divine  offices  under  the  pain  of  excom- 
munication. 

(3.)  The  parishioners  of  every  parish  should  have  in  their 
parochial  churches,  at  their  own  expense,  for  the  proper 
celebration  of  the  divine  offices  and  the  administration  of 
the  sacraments,  a  Missal,  silver  or  gilt  chalice,  an  amice, 
alb,  cincture,  maniple,  stole,  chasuble,  surplice,  a  baptismal 
font  of  stone  neatly  constructed  and  well  covered,  and  a 
suitable  vessel  for  keeping  the  chrism  for  the  use  of  the 
sick.  The  church,  in  nave  and  chancel,  in  roof  and  walls, 
inside  and  outside,  should  be  well  constructed,  and  kept 
clean  according  to  the  means  of  the  people,  corn  and  animals 
and  such  things  belonging  to  the  laity  should  be  excluded, 
and  that  men  and  women  of  whatever  description,  whether 
married  or  single,  should  not  cohabit  therein  under  pain  of 
mortal  sin  and  excommunication.^ 

(4.)  Every  church  should  have  at  least  a  statue  of  the 
B.V.M.  ;  a  cross  and  statue  of  the  patron  of  the  church, 
also  a  becoming  vessel  consecrated  for  the  Body  of  Christ. 

(5.)  The  cemeteries  should  be  kept  clean  and  walled  in 
at  the  expense  of  the  people. 

(6.)  The  excommunicated  should  be  publicly  denounced 
on  all  Sundays  and  holidaj^s  by  the  curates  in  their  churches, 
and  those  contracting  incestuous  and  clandestine  marriages 
and    their    abettors,    defrauders   of   legitimate    heirs,    those 


1  Church  in  these  decrees  seems  to  include  not  only  the  building, 
but  the  grounds  surrounding  it. 


ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS   OF   THE   DIOCESE.  29I 

who  fix  false  boundaries,  usurers  and  those  convicted  of 
usury,  the  coiners  of  false  money,  and  those  that  cut  or  pair 
genuine  money,  strikers  of  the  clergy,  or  those  who  plunder 
cemeteries,  churches,  or  ecclesiastical  goods,  etc. 

(7.)  To  strengthen  the  liberty  of  the  Church  it  was  decreed 
that  no  temporal  lords,  their  horsemen  or  footmen,  coming  to 
the  manors  or  granges  of  bishops,  or  the  houses  of  the  clergy, 
should  demand  or  receive  refreshment  for  more  than  one 
day  or  night,  and  that  by  consent,  asked  for  and  obtained,  of 
the  bishop  of  the  place.  Saturday  and  Sunday  were  ex- 
cluded, so  that  the  clergy  may  be  able  to  attend  to  their 
rehgious  duties  with  peace  and  quietness. 

(8.)  The  Council  declared  that  all  emoluments  arising 
from  the  erection  of  a  new  chapel,  erected  in  a  parish  by 
pious  laymen,  belong  to  the  parochial  church, 

(g.)  That  all  ecclesiastics  and  prelates,  their  tenants 
and  servants,  dwelling  in  ecclesiastical  lands  should  be  free 
from  all  temporal  taxes,  and  from  the  exaction  of  coigne 
and  livery. 

(10.)  That  no  lay  person,  for  any  cause  whatever,  should 
dare  to  seize  clerics  in  their  pledges,  goods  or  persons,  or 
destrain  their  goods,  their  servants,  or  ecclesiastical  tenants 
wherever  they  are  found,  unless  their  case  was  tried  and 
discussed  before  a  competent  judge.  Those  acting  otherwise 
forfeit  their  case  and  incur  excommunication  ipso  facto. 
The  layman  seizing  such  pledges  and  neglecting  to  return 
them  after  being  admonished,  is  interdicted  together  with 
his  family. 

(II.)  No  clerics  indicted  for  criminal  or  civil  offences 
should  answer  such  charges  in  a  secular  court  before  a  secular 
judge. 

(12.)  Questors  are  not  to  be  admitted  into  the  province 
of  Cashel  without  letters  from  their  bishops,  and  these  letters 
must  be  renewed  every  year,  except  the  messengers  or 
questors  of  St.  Patrick.  The  prelates  or  curates  admitting 
them  without  these  formalities,  are  liable  to  be  fined  i  marc. 

(13.)  The  mendicant  friars  are  forbidden  to  quest  on 
feast  days  on   which   the  church  offerings  are  received  by 


292  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

the  secular  clergy,  and  until  they  are  satisfied,  under  pain 
of  excommunication,  and  this  affects  the  friars  as  well  as 
the  curates  that  admit  them. 

(14.)  That  of  all  goods  got  from  a  deceased  person 
by  a  will,  or  obtained  on  the  occasion  of  the  funeral,  by 
mendicant  friars,  one- fourth  should  be  given  to  the  parochial 
church,  and  that  offerings  should  not  be  given  to  the  brothers 
before  the  division  of  the  funeral  perquisites  had  taken 
place.  Violaters  of  this  decree  incurred  the  penalty  of 
excommunication. 

(15.)  All  those  holding  benefices,  especially  those  in 
Holy  Orders  and  possessing  dignities  in  the  cathedral,  are 
bound  to  say  the  canonical  hours,  and  celebrate  Mass  three 
times  a  week  under  pain  of  privation  of  their  benefices  and 
dignities,  and  the  revenue  of  those  violating  this  statute 
should  be  applied  to  the  improvements  of  the  church. 

(16.)  In  places  where  churches  or  chapels  have  been 
united  and  appropriated,  it  has  been  learned  by  experience 
that  these  churches  are  deserted,  and  let  fall  into  decay. 
The  ordinaries  of  places  where  such  churches  may  be,  are 
permitted  by  the  Council  to  apply  the  revenues  of  such 
churches  to  their  repair. 

(20.)  All  clerics  having  received  first  tonsure,  and  enjoying, 
its  privileges  in  person  and  property,  should  live  chaste, 
and  especially  beneficed  clerics  and  priests  should  avoid 
usury  and  games  of  chance,  they  should  not  wear  a  beard 
on  the  upper  lip  nor  nourish  their  hair,  they  should  cut 
their  curls,  1  and  abstain  from  thefts,  plunder  and  violence 
under  pain  of  major  excommunication. 

(21.)  That  every  curate,  rector  and  vicar  should  have 
in  his  church  a  copy  of  these  decrees,  and  should  expound 
them  four  times  a  year  for  their  congregation  in  the  mother 
tongue,  viz.  :  the  Sundays  preceding  Christmas,  Easter, 
Pentecost,  and  the  feast  of  St.  Michael  the  Archangel  under 
penalty  of  a  fine. 

1  It  does  not  seem  clear  whether  the  excommunication  refers 
only  to  the  robbery,  etc.,  of  the  final  clause,  or  whether  it  also  includes 
those  who  do  not  cut  their  curls. 


ecclp:siastical  affairs  of  the  diocese.       293 

(22.)  No  chaplain  was  to  officiate  in  the  province  of 
Cashel  without  letters  showing  his  promotion  to  Holy  Orders, 
also  his  character  and  sufficient  amount  of  knowledge, 

(34.)  Doctors,  poets,  goldsmiths,  carpenters  and  such 
like  are  bound  to  pay  tithes  of  their  goods  lawfully  acquired 
notwithstanding    the    contrary    custom. 

(38.)  That  a  Heriot  (what  the  lord  receives  at  the  death 
of  the  tenant,  it  may  be  a  cow,  horse,  or  money)  should  be 
paid  to  the  bishop  of  the  place  by  the  poor  people  dwelling 
on  ecclesiastical  lands,  and  an  equal  division  of  the  emolu. 
ments,  viz,  :  Cunagii  (money  ?)  and  the  like  should  be  equally 
divided  between  the  rector  and  vicar,  and  the  lay  lords 
may  have  the  cattle  of  the  deceased  poor  dwelling  on  their 
lands. 

(50.)  Canons  should  not  be  increased  beyond  the  usual 
number,  nor  should  choral  canons  exceed  six. 

(53,)  The  Council  forbids  masters,  under  pain  of  excom- 
munication, to  admit  nobles  or  others  to  their  lectures  of 
whose  becoming  ecclesiastics  no  hope  can  be  entertained. 

(67,)  That  out  of  reverence  to  the  sacraments,  namely, 
the  Eucharist  and  Extreme  Unction,  the  curates  of  churches 
when  called  to  administer  these  sacraments  should  approach 
the  sick  person  clothed  in  alb,  and  preceded  by  a  bell  in  order 
to  stimulate  the  piety  of  the  faithful,  and  this  is  enforced 
under  punishment ;  at  all  events  the  bell  should  always 
precede  the  Eucharist, 

(69.)  Parochial  churches  should  be  kept  clean  and  neat, 
no  building  should  be  allowed  in  the  churches  themselves 
or  in  the  cemeteries,  no  houses  of  correction  for  the  laity 
should  be  placed  there,  against  the  will  of  the  bishops  or  other 
ecclesiastics  having  charge  of  them,  and  the  cemeteries  should 
be  Walled  in  at  the  expense  of  the  people  under  pain  of 
excommunication   and   interdict. 

(yy.)  Clerics  should  wear  a  becoming  dress  different 
from  the  people,  viz.  :  Gascomarcon  (soutane  ?)  with  a 
becoming  bireto  (cap). 

(8r.)  That  no  prelates,  curates  of  churches  or  questors,  by 
force  of  privilege,   should   hear  the  confessions  of  thieves, 


294  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

robbers,  or  those  that  robbed  churches,  or  the  property 
of  the  faithful  until  they  make  restitution  if  they  are  able* 

Those  who  do  not  confess  once  a  year  and  receive  the 
Eucharist,  are  to  be  deprived  of  Christian  burial. 

(86.)  That  in  cities  and  places  where  singing  prevails  and 
choirs  established,  none  are  to  be  advanced  to  anj^  ecclesi- 
astical living  there  unless  they  are  singers,  saving  the  privi- 
leges of  the  Holy  See. 

(112.)  Any  priest  celebrating  or  anyone  authorizing  the 
.celebration  of  Mass  against  the  will  and  censures  of  the 
ordinary  is  thereby  excommunicated,  and  on  account  of  his 
contempt  for  the  censures  must  have  recourse  to  the  Holy 
See  for  absolution. 

(113.)  The  faithful  are  forbidden  to  hear  the  sermon  of 
any  friar  under  pain  of  mortal  sin,  unless  the  friar  has 
obtained  the  permission  of  the  ordinary  where  he  preaches, 
and  the  Council  forbids  friars  to  preach  without  permission 
under  pain  of  depriving  them  of  their  right  to  quest  where 
they  offend. 

(115.)  Whenever  the  metropolitan  and  a  suffragan 
appoint  to  a  benefice,  reserved  to  the  Holy  See,  the  collation 
of  the  ordinary  ought  to  prevail  until  the  Holy  See  has  pro- 
vided for  such  a  benefice,  the  time  according  to  law  is  also 
limited  for  the  appointment  of  the  Holy  See. 

(119.)  When  religious  houses  neglect  to  appoint  fitting 
persons  or  curates  to  their  churches,  such  churches  and 
benefices  are  by  law  declared  to  be  vacant,  and  may  be  filled 
up  by  the  ordinary  of  the  place,  and  may  put  into  them  a 
perpetual  vicar. 

The   Bishop    of   Limerick   no   doubt    enforced   these - 
laws  in  his  diocese,  especially  as  they  were  made  in  the 
city,  and  many  of  them,  perhaps,  were  drawn  up  at  his 
suggestion. 

In  1456  news  reached  Rome  that  John  was  dead, 
and  acting  on  the  report  Calixtus  III  appointed 
Thomas  Legger,  an  Augustinian  friar.  Bishop  of  Limerick, 
an   appointment   which  was  soon  after    annulled,   as  it 


ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  295 

was  found  that  John  was  still  living,  and  opposed  the 
election.  He  resigned,  however,  the  following  year,  1458, 
and  died  in  retirement  in  1468. 

In  1849  the  Royal  Irish  Academy  became  possessed 
of  an  ancient  seal,  probably  of  this  bishop.  It  bears 
the  rude  image  of  a  bishop  under  a  canopy,  beneath 
which  there  is  the  figure  of  another  prelate  with  his 
crozier.  It  has  the  following  inscription  :  "  Sigillu  Dni 
Jobs  Epi  Lymrensis." — The  seal  of  John  Bishop  of 
Limerick.     The  workmanship  of  the  carving  is  rude. 

The  following  appointments  were  made  in  the  diocese 
during  John's  episcopacy  : — 

1427.  Robert  Poer  (Power),  principal,  bound  himself 
to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the 
precentorship,  valued  30  marcs,  vacant  by  the  pro- 
motion of  Denis  to  the  bishopric  of  Ossory. 

Thomas  MacMahon,  principal,  bound  himself  to  the 
Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  archdeacon- 
ship,  valued  40  marcs,  vacant  by  the  death  of  Peter 
Evodyn. 

Cornelius  Odyga,  perpetual  vicar  of  the  parochial 
church  of  Kyllmalayn  (Kilmoylan),  Limerick  diocese, 
as  principal  and  private  person,  bound  himself  to  the 
Apostolic  Chamb?r  in  the  name  of  Gilbert  Yleayn  for  the 
first  fruits  of  the  perpetual  vicarage  of  Croch  (Croagh), 
same  diocese,  value  8  marcs,  vacant  b}^  the  resignation 
of  Jordan  Pursel  or  the  death  of  Thomas  Russel. 

John  Macgillaphadrayg,  principal,  and  Donald 
O'Cachnasyg  (O'Shaughnesey),  canon  of  Clonfert  diocese 
bDund  themselves  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first 
fruits  of  the  perpetual  vicarage  of  Kylchurnayn  (Kil- 
cornan),  alias  Claneagga,  and  the  chapel  annexed  to  it, 
Munychrym  or  Munychyrin,  Limerick  diocese,  value 
8  marcs,  vacant  by  the  death  of  Philip  Russel. 

Maurice  O'Congalygh,  principal,  bound  himself  to 
the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  canonry 


296  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

and  prebend  of  St.  Monchin's  (Munchin's),  in  Limerick 
diocese,  value  12  marcs,  vacant  by  the  death  of  Philip 
O'Hanly.  Also  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  perpetual 
vicarage  of  the  parochial  church  of  Kylldyma 
(Killdimo),  value  4  marcs  ;  this  payment  was  not  of 
obligation. 

Maurice  O'Congalygh,  canon  of  the  diocese  of 
Limerick,  as  principal,  bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic 
Chamber  in  the  name  of  Thomas  O'Horigan,  for  the 
first  fruits  of  the  canonry  and  prebend  of  Tyllach- 
brek  (Tullabracky),  value  12  marcs,  vacant  by  the  pro- 
motion of  Richard,  Archbishop  of  Cashel. 

1428.  Maurice  Echiernay,  vicar  of  the  parochial 
church  of  Baligadegi  (Ballingaddy),  Limerick  diocese, 
as  principal  and  private  person,  bound  himself  to  the 
Apostolic  Chamber  in  the  name  of  Tathei  Olyarna 
for  the  first  fruits  of  the  canonry  and  prebend  of 
Diserrengussa  (Dysert),  Limerick  diocese,  value  8  marcs, 
vacant  by  Edmund  Macadam  having  joined  the  Hospi- 
tallers. 

Cornelius  O'Longsygh  (Lynch),  principal,  bound 
himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits 
of  the  parochial  church  of  Raronayn  (Rathronan)  alias 
Mithaurick,  Limerick  diocese,  value  8  marcs,  vacant  by 
the  non-promotion  (to  Holy  Orders)  of  Donat  O'Breyn 
(O'Brien). 

1427.  A  Bull  for  Donat  O'Conthy  or  O'Centhy  for 
the  rectory  of  the  parochial  church  of  Rathronayn, 
value  6  marcs,  was  returned  without  obligation. 

A  Bull  for  Cornelius  O'Gydi  for  the  perpetual  vicarage 
of  Kyllmaellayn  (Kilmoylan),  Limerick  diocese,  value 
6  marcs,  was  returned  without  obligation. 

A  Bull  for  James  O'Leayn  for  the  perpetual  vicarage 
of  Inyskefeyny  (Askeaton),  Limerick  diocese,  value  6 
marcs,  was  returned  without  obligation. 

1428.  A  Bull  for  the  Tatheo  Otigeraid   for  the  per- 


ECCLESIASTICAL    AFFAIRS    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  297 

petiial    vicarage   of   the   church    Glyndogra    (Glenogra), 
value  5  marcs,  was  restored  without  obhgation. 

1430.  Gilbert  O'Leayn,  principal,  bound  himself  for 
the  first  fruits  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  of  the  canonry 
and  prebend  of  Croch  (Croagh),  value  20  marcs,  vacated 
by  Jordan  Porchell. 

1431.  Bernard  O'Conchuyr,  principal,  bound  himself 
to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the 
rectory  of  the  parochial  church  of  Croma  (Croom),  value 
20  marcs,  vacated  by  Wilham  Erstokin. 

1430.  A  Bull  for  Dermot  O' Barry  for  the  perpetual 
vicarage  of  the  parochial  church  of  Kilmury  (Kilmurryj, 
value  4  marcs,  returned  without  obligation. 

1431.  Patrick  Corre,  principal,  bound  himself  to  the 
Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  precentor- 
ship,  value  40  marcs,  vacant  by  the  free  resignation  of 
Robert  Poer  (Power). 

1432.  Alan  Haymur,  vicar  of  the  church  of  Bale- 
trostan  (Dunnaman),  as  principal  and  private  person  in 
the  name  of  Cornelius  O'Hymur  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber 
for  the  first  fruits  of  the  parochial  church  of  Croma 
(Croom),  value  20  marcs,  vacant  by  the  marriage  of 
John  Oreuerdam  (vel  oreuerdain  O'Riordan). 

1432.  Cornelius  O'Longsygh  (Lynch),  principal, 
bound  himself  to  the  Apostohc  Chamber  for  the  first 
fruits  of  the  canonry  and  prebend  of  Disartenasa 
(Dysert),  in  the  diocese  of  Limerick,  value  8  marcs, 
vacant  by  the  death  01  Fdmund  Fiscidan  (vel 
Fistidan). 

1432.  Cornelius  O'Longsygh,  canon  of  Limerick,  as 
principal  and  private  person,  bound  himself  to  the 
Apostolic  Chamber  in  the  name  of  Alan  O'Longsygh 
for  the  first  fruits  of  the  precentorship  of  the  diocese, 
value  32  marcs,  vacant  by  the  death  of  Alan  Makeneri. 
In  the  month  of  July,  1442,  Cornelius,  as  procurator 
and  principal,  promised  the  Apostolic  Chamber  in  the 


298  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

name  of  the  said  Alan  the  first  fruits  of  the  precentor- 
ship,  value  40  marcs,  and  for  the  fruits  unduly  received 
20  florins. 

1438.  Henr}^  Burnham,  principal,  bound  himself  to- 
the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the 
chancellorship  of  the  diocese,  value  60  marcs,  vacant  by 
the  free  resignation  of  Jordan  of  Cork  and  Cloyne. 

1441.  John  Walsche  (Walsh),  dean  of  Cork,  as  princi- 
pal and  private  person,  bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic 
Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  rectory  of  the 
parochial  church  of  Effyng  (Effin),  Limerick  diocese, 
in  the  name  of  John  Stack,  vacant  by  a  new 
provision. 

John  Stack,  principal,  bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic 
Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  archdeaconship  of 
the  church  of  Limerick,  value  60    marcs. 

1441.  Cornelius  O'Longsygh,  principal,  bound  him- 
self to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  j^the  first  fruits  of  the 
parochial  church  of  Cromay  (Croom),  value  20  marcs, 
vacant  by  non-promotion  to  the  priesthood. 

1441.  The  aforesaid  Cornelius  as  procurator,  bound 
himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  in  the  name  of  Gerald 
Philip  de  Geraldinis  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  canonry 
and  prebend  of  Kyllidi  (Killeedy),  value  8  marcs,  vacant 
by  the  deprivation  of  Cornelius  O'Hymur. 

1443.  Matthew  MacNemara,  principal,  bound  himself 
to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the 
perpetual  vicarage  of  the  parochial  church  of  Kylkide 
(Kilkeedy),  value  8  marcs,  vacant  by  deprivation. 

1446.  Maurice  Norex,  as  principal,  bound  himself  to 
the  Apostolic  Chamber  in  the  name  of  Malatie  {sic) 
O'Comfy  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  perpetual  vicarage 
of  the  parochial  church  of  Garry  (Ballingarry),  Limerick 
diocese,  value  16  marcs. 

John  McKehecayn,  principal,  bound  himself  to  the 
Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits    of   the   vicarage 


ECCLESIASTICAL    AFFAIRS    OF   THE    DIOCESE,  299 

of  Seangella   (Shanagoldcn),   value  8   marcs,  vacant  by 
the  deprivation  of  Laurence  O' Kelly. 

John  Parsel,  procurator  of  John  Kerrernok,  bound 
himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits 
of  the  treasurership  of  the  diocese,  value  60  marcs^ 
collated  by  way  of  new  provision. 

Thomas  Legger,  1457.  '• 

As  we  have  already  stated  Thomas  was  appointed 
bishop  on  the  supposition  that  John  Mothelwas  dead, 
but  when  it  was  found  that  he  was  still  living  the  ap- 
pointment was  annulled.  The  next  year,  1457,  when 
John  resigned,  Thomas  is  addressed  by  the  Pope  as 
Bishop  of  Limerick,  and  a  man  devoted  to  the  Holy  See. 
The  Pontiff  also  conferred  special  favours  upon  him. 
There  is  nothing  more  known  about  him. 

William  Crcagh  (1458-1468). 

William  Creagh,  a  native  of  Limerick,  was  appointed 
bishop  in  1458,  and  consecrated  in  1459.  In  14612  he 
recovered  the  lands  of  Donaghmore  which  had  not  been 
for  a  long  time  in  the  possession  of  his  predecessors. 
Very  little  is  known  about  his  episcopacy  except  the 
following  appointments  taken  from  the  return  of  the 
first  fruits. 

1462.  Matthew  Donad  [sic)  IMacComarra,  cleric  of 
Limerick,  principal,  bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic 
Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  canonry  and  prebend 
of  Donakmor  (Donaghmore),  value  8  marcs,  vacant  by 
the  death  of  Matthew  James  Macnamara  at  Rome. 
At  the  same  time  he  was  collated  to  the  abbacy  of  St. 
Salvator,  Diocese  Cloyne. 

1463.  Gerald    O'Mulcorza,    principal,    bound  himself 

1  See  Theiner. 

2  Black  Book.  p.   142. 


300  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the 
archdeaconship,  value  50  marcs,  vacant  by  the  resigna- 
tion of  Matthew  O'Griffa  made  at  Rome. 

1464.  Donald  Macgillypadrig,  principal,  bound  him- 
self to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  for  the 
canonry  and  prebend  of  Tampolmonin  (St.  Munchin's), 
in  the  church  of  Limerick,  value  20  marcs,  vacant  by 
the  promotion  of  Matthew  to  the  bishopric  of 
Killaloe. 

1464.  Matthew  Laurence  MacComara,  cleric  of  the 
diocese  of  Killaloe,  as  principal,  bound  himself  to  the 
Apostolic  Chamber  in  the  name  of  Bernard  Obrey  {sic 
O'Brien)  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  canonry  and  prebend 
of  St.  Montini  (St.  Munchin's),  value  12  marcs,  vacant 
by  the  promotion  of  Matthew  to  the  bishopric  of  Killaloe. 
The  above  Donald  must  not  have  been  put  in 
possession. 

1464.  Cornelius  Maccomara,  cleric  of  the  diocese  of 
Killaloe,  principal,  bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic 
Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  perpetual  vicarage 
of  the  parochial  church  of  Kyllyelly  (Killeely),  Limerick 
diocese,  value  6  marcs,  vacant  by  the  non-promotion 
(to  Holy  Orders)  of  the  said  Cornelius  ;  also  the  rectory 
of  Demulayll,  diocese  of  Killaloe,  value  2  marcs,  vacant 
by  the  death  of  Oddonis  James  MacComara  who  died 
at  Rome,  which  livings  Cornelius  held  for  four  years  re- 
ceiving the  revenue  of  the  same,  he  promised  to  pay  the 
collector  in  those  parts,  under  penalties  of  the  Apostolic 
Chamber,  50  golden  florins  for  the  fruits,  unduly  received, 
of  the  said  churches. 

1464.  A  Bull  for  Dermot  Machmarona  (vel  Machh- 
macona)  for  the  provision  of  the  canonry  and  prebend 
of  Archanne  (Ardcanny),  value  8  marcs,  about  to  be 
vacated,  returned  without  obligation  as  the  value  of 
the  living  was  under  the  tax. 

1466.  Tatheus  Matthew  Maccomare,  cleric  of  Killaloe 


ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  3OI 

diocese,  principal,  bound  himself  to  the  Apostohc 
Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  canonry  and  prebend 
of  Sancti  Muncini  (vSt.  Munchin's),  value  i6  marcs,  vacant 
by  the  promotion  of  Matthew  to  the  Bishop  of  Killaloe. 
Evidently  any  of  the  preceding  two  were  not  in 
possession. 

Thomas  Arthur  (1468-1486).^ 

Thomas  Arthur,  a  native  of  the  city  and  member 
of  a  very  distinguished  family,  was  appointed  bishop 
in  1468.  He  was  son  of  Nicholas  Arthur  and  Catherine 
Skyddy,  and  had  five  brothers,  four  of  whom  became 
mayors  of  the  city,  and  the  other  was  sheriff  for  a  time. 
He  was  provided  by  the  Holy  See  with  the  treasurer- 
ship  of  the  diocese  which  he  held  for  eight  years  without 
paying  the  first  fruits,  but  when  elected  bishop  he 
entered  into  an  agreement  with. the  Apostolic  Chamber 
to  pay  what  was  required  by  instalments,  and  faithfully 
fulfilled  his  promise.  He  was  also  prior  of  the  monastery 
of  St.  Mary  and  St.  Edward  king  and  martyr,  before 
his  elevation  to  the  mitre.  He  was  consecrated  at  Rome 
in  the  church  of  St.  Mary  supra  Minerva  on  the  loth 
of  September,  1469,  by  the  Bishop  of  Antivari,  assisted 
by  the  Bishop  of  Elphin.  He  died  in  the  year  i486. 
The  following  appointments  were  made  during  his 
episcopacy. 

1470.  William  Ofathy  (O'Fahy),  priest  of  the  Limerick 
diocese  and  canon  of  the  Limerick  church,  as  principal, 
bound  himself  in  the  name  of  Richard  Pourcell  to  the 
Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  precentor- 
ship  of  the  diocese,  value  50  marcs,  vacant  by  devolution 
to  the  Curia. 


1  A  writer  in  I.   E.   Record,  1865,  says  Arthur  died  in  14S4,  but  the 
Return  of  First  Fruits  say  i486. 


302  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

Eugene  Offaelan  (O'Phelan),  cleric  of  the  diocese  of 
Limerick,  bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for 
the  first  fruits  of  the  canonry  and  prebend  of  Tolla- 
thbraky  (Tullabracky),  value  i6  marcs,  vacant  by 
devolution  to  the  curia,  and  it  is  ordered  to  provide 
Eugene  with  the  canonry  and  prebend  in  which  John 
Mothyl  intruded. 

1471.  Maurice  Ydonurt  (O'Dunworth),  rector  of  the 
parochial  church  of  Moteanach  (Mahoonagh),  as  prin- 
cipal, bound  himself  to  the  Apostohc  Chamber  for  the 
iirst  fruits  of  the  parochial  church  of  Rachkail  (Rath- 
cahill)  alias  Moynhatgayhy  (Monagay),  value  24  marcs, 
vacant  by  devolution  to  the  Curia.  The  same  to  be 
united  to  Montenach  (!\Iahoonagh)  during  the  lifetime 
of  Maurice, 

Odo  Mulgurym,  cleric  of  the  diocese  of  Limerick, 
-bound  himself  as  principal  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber 
for  the  first  fruits  of  the  perpetual  vicarage  of  the 
parochial  church  of  Corchimohyt  (Corcomohide),  value 
12  marcs,  about  to  become  vacant  by  the  depri- 
vation of  William  O'Ronayn,  perpetual  vicar  of  the 
same. 

Maurice  O'Donurthy,  rector  of  the  parochial  church 
of  Mathemache  (Mahoonagh),  Limerick  diocese,  as 
principal  and  private  person,  bound  himself  to  the 
Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  archdeacon- 
ship  of  the  Limerick  diocese  in  the  name  of  Gerald 
Gerildi  Micmicscrayn,  cleric  of  the  Limerick  diocese, 
value  60  marcs,  vacant  by  the  deprivation  of  Gerald 
•0*Mwlchorchari,   archdeacon  of  said  church. 

1473.  Thomas  Oraman  or  Oroinan  paid  a  part  of 
the  first  fruits  of  the  deanship  of  the  diocese. 

1474.  WilHam  Offaelayn,  perpetual  vicar  of  the 
parochial    church   of  Walcam    (Waltham,    Canterbury), 

-bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first 


ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS   OF   THE   DIOCESE.         303 

iruits  of  the  treasurership  of  Limerick,  vacant  by  the 
cessation  of  the  right  of  Eugene  Ofaelyn. 

Melerus  de  Burgo  sought  the  treasurership  on  the 
death  of  Gilbert  Arthure,  who  died  at  Rome,  formerly 
treasurership.  Bull  of  mandate  returned  to  the  Curia 
conferred  on  another  as  above. 

1474.  John  O'Griffa  (Grifftn),  priest  of  Killaloe,  as 
principal  and  private  person,  bound  himself  to  the 
Apostolic  Chamber  in  the  name  of  Dermid  Yhynraththy, 
priest  of  Limerick  diocese,  for  the  fruits  unduly 
received  by  the  same  Dermid  for  some  years  from  the 
perpetual  vicarage  of  the  parochial  church  of  St.  Mary 
Magdalene,  alias  Kylmohorog  (Kilmurry)  in  Limerick 
diocese, 

Dermid  Machmacona  (MacMahon),  perpetual  vicar 
the  parochial  church  of  Kylkydei  (Kilkeedy),  Limerick 
diocese,  principal,  bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber 
for  the  first  fruits  of  the  deanship  of  the  Limerick  diocese, 
value  60  marcs,  vacant  by  the  resignation  of  Thomas 
Yscheanacan  alias  Yscheolayn  at  Rome.  Thomas 
Orrnayn  being  an  intruder  on  the  same. 

A  Bull  for  Melero  de  Burgo,  canon  of  the  church  of 
Limerick,  for  the  provision  of  the  rectorship  of  Dyre- 
gllywayn  (Derrygalvin),  Limerick  diocese,  value  8  marcs. 
No  first  fruits  being  under  the  valuation. 

A  Bull  for  Rorico  O'Kah  (O'Kelly),  priest  of  the 
Limerick  diocese,  for  the  provision  of  the  perpetual 
vicarage  of  the  parochial  church  of  Kilhelle  (Killeely), 
Limerick  diocese,  value  6  marcs.  No  first  fruits  being 
under  the  valuation. 

1474.  A  Bull  for  Thomas  O'Galchan,  priest,  Limerick 
diocese,  for  the  provision  of  the  rectorship  of  the  parochial 
church  of  the  Holy  Trinity,  Drominocleryn  (Dromin), 
Limerick  diocese,  whose  patronage  is  in  lay  hands,  vacant 
by  the  resignation  of  John  Dondum   (vel  Donduin  now 


304  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

Dundon)  formerly  rector  of  this  church.  No  first  fruits- 
being  under  valuation. 

A  Bull  for  Donat  Machenchard,  cleric  of  the  diocese 
of  Killaloe,  for  the  provision  of  the  perpetual  vicarage 
of  Kilmoylayn  (Kilmoylan),  value  8  marcs.  No  first 
fruits  being  under  valuation. 

1475.  Philip  Yronayn,  canon  of  Limerick  diocese 
and  bachelor  of  decrees  (decretis),  principal,  bound 
himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits 
of  the  parochial  churches  of  Aulackay  (Athlacca)  and 
Drumn  (Dromin),  Limerick  diocese,  value  32  marcs,, 
vacant  by  the  constitution  "  Execrablis." 

1475.  Philip  O'Ronayn,  canon  of  Limerick  diocese, 
as  principal  and  private  person  bound  himself  to  the 
Apostolic  Chamber  in  the  name  of  Thomas  O'Ronayn, 
priest  of  the  diocese  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  deanship,. 
value  60  marcs,  and  the  rectorship  of  Ballyngady 
(Ballingaddy),  value  24  marcs,  vacant,  a  mandate  to 
provide  Thomas  with  both. 

1476.  Phihp  O'Ronayn,  canon  of  Limerick,  and 
Donald  Machprian  (MacBrien),  canon  of  Emly,  both 
bound  themselves  in  the  name  of  Thomas  Geraldinis 
to  the  Apostohc  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the 
chancellorship,  about  to  become  vacant  by  the  privation 
of  Donald  alias  Denis  Offelan,  formerly  chancellor. 

1477.  Jo^^^"^  Offaelayn,  cleric  of  the  diocese  of  Limerick, 
bound  himself  in  the  name  of  Dermot  O'Brien,  cleric  of 
the  diocese,  for  the  canonry  and  prebend  of  St.  Munchin 
(St.  Munchin's),  value  20  marcs,  vacant  by  the  resig- 
nation of  Donald  MacGillapadrig  in  Rome. 

1477.  John  Offaelayn,  bound  himself  in  the  name  of 
Dermot  O'Brien  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first 
fruits  of  the  treasurership  of  the  diocese,  value  50  marcs,, 
vacant  by  the  resignation  of  William  Offaolan  in  Rome. 

1478.  Cornelius  Oquenyn,  as  procurator,  bound  him- 
self in  the  name  of  Redmund  de  Burgo  for  the  first 


ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  305 

fruits  of  the  canonry  and  prebend  of  Donauchmore, 
(Donaghmore),  value  12  marcs,  also  the  perpetual 
vicarage  of  Kilmore,  alias  Kylmurhorog  (Kilmurry), 
value  6  marcs,  vacant  by  devolution  to  the  Holy  See. 
He  was  appointed  to  both  offices. 

The  said  Cornelius,  priest  of  Killaloe,  as  procurator, 
bound  himself  in  the  name  of  Dermot  O'Brien,  cleric  of 
the  diocese  of  Limerick,  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for 
the  first  fruits  of  the  treasurership  of  Limerick,  value 
60  marcs,  vacant  b}^  the  resignation  of  William 
Offaelan. 

John  Offaelan,  cleric  of  Limerick  diocese,  principal, 
bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first 
fruits  of  the  perpetual  vicarage  of  the  parochial  church 
of  Killoca  (Kilmallock),  value  20  marcs,  vacant  by  the 
death  of  William  Akhbard,  formerly  vicar  of  that 
church. 

1479.  Maurice  O'Glesayn,  prior  of  the  priory  of  St. 
John  the  Baptist,  order  of  St.  Hugo,  Nenagh,  as  pro- 
curator in  the  name  of  Melero  de  Burgo,  bound  himself 
to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the 
deanship  of  the  diocese,  value  60  marcs,  vacant  by 
devolution  to  the  Holy  See. 

John  Offaillayn,  cleric  of  the  diocese  of  Limerick,  as 
procurator,  bound  himself  in  the  name  of  Maurice  Offaelan 
to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the 
rectorship  of  the  parochial  churches  of  Mathemath 
(Mahoonagh),  value  16,  marcs,  and  Rathkaill  (Rath- 
cahill)  alias  Monachagahy  (Monagay),  value  24  marcs, 
vacant,  both  were  united  for  Maurice. 

1480.  Thomas  Cantulum  (vel  Cantulinn),  priest  of 
the  diocese  of  Limerick,  principal,  bound  himself  to  the 
Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  perpetual 
vicarage  of  the  parochial  church  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul 
of  Killocia  (Kilmallock),  value  60  marcs,  silver. 

Dermod     Ykamayn,     priest     of     Limerick      diocese, 


306  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

principal,  bound  himself  for  a  certain  canonry,  vacant 
by  simony  (the  name  not  given). 

1480.  James  Philip  de  Geraldinis,  canon,  Limerick 
diocese,  principal,  bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic 
Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  canonry  and  prebend 
of  Kyllide  (Killeedy),  value  16  marcs,  vacant  by  the 
death  of  Dermot  Yconran  at  Rome. 

Malachy  Macharrayd,  canon  of  Limerick  diocese,  for 
the  first  fruits  of  the  canonry  and  prebend  of  Killide 
(Killeedy),  value  18  marcs,  vacant  by  the  death  of 
Dermot  Yconran  at  Rome. 

Gerald  de  Geraldinis,  canon  of  the  Limerick  diocese, 
principal,  bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for 
the  first  fruits  of  the  perpetual  vicarage  of  the  parochial 
church  of  Baileroberd  (Robertstown),  value  4  marcs, 
about  to  become  vacant  by  the  deprivation  of  William 
Oflinagayn,  perpetual  vicar  of  that  church,  also  for  the 
first  fruits  of  the  perpetual  vicarage  of  Sengvalmyn 
(Shanagolden),  value  8  marcs,  to  be  united  to  his  can- 
onry in  said  church  of  Limerick. 

1483.  Thomas  Russell,  cleric  of  the  diocese  of  Limerick, 
principal,  bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for 
the  first  fruits  of  the  parochial  church  of  Mungret,  value 

9  marcs,  also  the  canonry  and  prebend  of  Ardcanny,  value 

10  marcs,  vacated  by  Thomas  Girald  Macgyllaton  de 
Geraldinis,  and  the  parochial  church  of  Mungret  by  the 
privation   of   Magonii   O'Madagan. 

1483.  Geraldus  O'Molcorkara,  priest  of  the  diocese  of 
Limerick,  bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for 
the  first  fruits  of  the  archdeaconship  of  the  church  of 
Limerick,  value  60  marcs,  about  to  become  vacant  by 
the  privation  of  Gerald  de  Geraldinis. 

T48A.  A  Bull  for  Thomas  Cantelon,  canon  of  the 
church  of  Limerick,  for  the  union  of  the  parochial  church 
of  Druimin  O'Glizin  (Dromin)  with  his  canonry,  value 
^  marcs.     The  union  was  to  last  during  his  life. 


ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  307 

A  Bull  for  John  O'Griffa  providing  for  him  the  per- 
petual vicarage  of  the  parochial  church  of  Fedmore 
(Fedamore),  at  present  vacant,  value  8  marcs. 

Richard  Stackpoole  (i486). 

Immediately  after  the  death  of  Thomas  Arthur, 
Richard  Stackpoole  was  advanced  to  the  bishopric. 
He  had  been  precentor  of  the  diocese,  and  in  1480  he 
received  a  Bull  from  Rome  empowering  him  to  unite 
the  perpetual  vicarage  of  the  parochial  church  of 
Killyely  (Killeely)  to  his  canonry.  At  the  time  of  his 
appointment  he  was  only  twenty-four  years,  and  was 
not  to  be  consecrated  until  he  reached  the  age  of  twenty- 
eight.     He  died,  however,  the  same  year. 

John  Dunow  (1486-1489). 

John  Dunow  or  Dumor  was  a  canon  of  Exeter,  Doctor 
of  Laws,  and  at  the  time  of  his  appointment  to  Limerick 
ambassador  from  Henry  VH,  King  of  England,  to  the 
court  of  Rome.  He  died  at  Rome  in  the  year  1489 
before  he  had  an  opportunity  of  visiting  his  See.  The 
following  appointments  were  made  in  the  diocese  during 
Stackpoole's  episcopacy  : — 

1485.  A  Bull  for  Hubert  de  Burgo,  canon  of  Limerick, 
for  the  union  of  the  parochial  church  of  St.  Monchini 
(St.  Munchin's),  value  8  marcs,  to  his  canonry  during 
his  life.  No  tax  paid,  as  the  value  of  the  living  does 
not  exceed  24  florins. 

i486.  William  Wite,  precentor  of  the  church  of 
Limerick,  bachelor  in  utroque  jure,  principal,  bound 
himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of 
the  precentorship  of  said  church,  value  60  marcs,  to 
which  is  attached  a  certain  canonry  and  prebend,  being 
vacant  by  the  promotion  of  Richard  Stackpoole,  elect 
of  Limerick. 


308  •  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

1487.  William  Miagh,  cleric.  Limerick  diocese,  princi- 
pal, bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the 
first  fruits  of  the  vicarage  of  the  parochial  church  of 
SS.  Peter  and  Paul  of  Kilmallock,  value  20  marcs, 
vacant  by  the  death  of  Thomas  Cantelon  its  former 
vicar. 

1487.  Thetrico  O'Breyn,  cleric  of  Limerick,  appointed 
Cornelius  O'Breyn,  cleric,  diocese  of  Killaloe,  his  proctor, 
and  through  him  bound  himself  for  the  first  fruits  to 
the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  treasurership  of  Limerick, 
value  60  marcs,  and  also  the  perpetual  vicarage  of 
Kyllielli  (Killeely),  value  6  marcs,  vacant  by  the  decree 
of  the  Latern  Council. 

1487.  John  Macclache,  perpetual  vicar  of  the  paro- 
chial church  of  Adare,  principal,  bound  himself  to  the 
Apostohc  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  vicarage 
and  rectorship  of  the  parochial  church  of  Cronnit  (Croom), 
value  of  both  together  20  marcs,  and  being  vacant  are 
united  during  the  lifetime  of  John,  also  for  the  first 
fruits  of  the  canonry  and  prebend,  vacant  by  the  death 
of  Thomas  Cantelon,  and  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  pre- 
centorship  vacant  by  the  death  of  Richard,  Bishop  of 
Limerick,  which  took  place  at  Rome. 

1488.  Maurituis  O'Hanranin,  prior  of  the  monastery 
of  Inscrinonan,  Killaloe  diocese,  bound  himself  in  the 
name  of  Theodoric  O'Brien,  for  the  first  fruits  to  the 
Apostohc  Chamber  for  the  archdeaconship  of  Limerick, 
also  for  the  rectorship  of  the  parochial  church  of 
Cromovve  (Croom),  value  24  marcs,  vacant  for  such  a 
time  as  the  collation  devolved  on  the  Holy  See.  They 
were  united  and  conferred  on  Theodoric. 

Fernandus  Sanctii,  canon  of  Seguntinus,  as  principal 
and  private  person,  bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic 
Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  deanship  in  the  name 
of  Roger  Artur,    canon   of   Limerick,    value   60   marcs, 


ECCLESIASTICAL   AFFAIRS    OF    THE    DIOCESE.  309 

vacant  at  present,  but  unlawfully  held  by  Melerus  de 
Burgo  for  a  Limerick  priest. 

Nicholas  Wale,  priest  of  the  diocese  of  Limerick, 
principal,  bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for 
the  first  fruits  of  the  perpetual  vicarage  of  the  parochial 
church  of  Garth  (Ballingarry),  value  i6  marcs,  vacant 
by  devolution  to  the  Holy  See  because  Philip  O'Kail, 
without  any  title,  detained  and  is  detaining  it. 

1489.  Hubert  de  Burgo,  canon,  Limerick  diocese, 
principal,  bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for 
the  first  fruits  of  the  precentorship,  value  60  marcs, 
vacant  by  the  death  of  Richard  Stackpoole  at  Rome. 

1489.  Thomas  Geraldi  de  Geraldinis,  canon  of  Limerick, 
principal,  bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for 
the  first  fruits  of  the  precentorship,  value  60  marcs, 
vacant  by  the  privation  of  William  Withe. 


John  Folan  (1489-1521). 

John  Whelan  or  Folan,  canon  of  Ferns,  rector  of 
Clonmore,  and  procurator  for  Octavian  de  Palato,  Arch- 
bishop of  Armagh,  at  the  court  of  Rome  was  promoted 
to  the  See  of  Limerick  on  the  13th  of  May,  1489.  He 
was  in  Limerick  about  the  year  1490,  and  with  the  aid 
of  the  citizens  he  repaired  and  beautified  the  cathedral. 
He  died  on  the  13th  January,  1521.  The  following 
appointments  to  benefices  took  place  during  his  reign 
as  bishop  : — 

1492.  William  O'Muloeni  ?  cleric  of  the  diocese  of 
Limerick,  principal,  bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic 
Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  perpetual  vicarages 
of  the  parochial  churches  of  Garth  (Ballingarry)  and 
Kyllscanyll  (Kilscannell),  vacant  for  such  a  length  of 
time  as  their  collation  lapsed  to  the  Holy  See,  value 
J24  marcs. 


310  DIOCESE  OF  LIMERICK. 

John  Perell,  cleric  of  Cork  diocese,  principal,  bound 
himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of 
the  chancellorship,  value  40  marcs,  vacant  by  the  death 
of  Denis. 

Maurice  Nic'  Imulorrony  (vel  Imuloerony),  cleric  of 
Limerick  diocese,  principal,  bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic 
Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  chancellorship  of 
diocese,  value  60  marcs. 

1494.  James  Yrronayn,  cleric  of  the  diocese  of  Emly, 
principal,  bound  himself  for  the  first  fruits  of  Corcom- 
whyd  (Corcomohide)  and  Cloncreawa  (Cloncrew),  paro- 
chial churches,  vacant  by  devolution,  value  23  marcs. 

James  O'Ronayn,  cleric  of  Emly,  bound  himself  to 
the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  canonry 
and  prebend  of  Tolowraki  (Tullabracky),  value  12  marcs, 
vacant  by  devolution  to  the  Holy  See. 

The  same  day  Fernandus  Sanctii,  prior  of  the  church 
of  Seguntin,  as  principal  and  private  person  in  the 
name  of  John  de  Mura  alias  Oheognayn  (vel  Oheoguayn) 
bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the 
first  fruits  of  the  canonry  and  prebend  of  TuUach- 
braky  (Tullabracky),  value  14  marcs,  vacant  b}^ 
devolution. 

John  Macysog,  priest  of  the  diocese  of  Limerick, 
principal,  bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for 
the  first  fruits  of  the  perpetual  vicarage  of  the  parochial 
church  of  Killiely  (Killeely),  Limerick  diocese,  value 
8  marcs,  also  for  the  vicarage  of  parochial  church  of 
Kyllfyntanayn  (Kilfintenan)  value  4  marcs,  and  the 
perpetual  vicarage  of  St.  Nicholas,  Limerick, 
value  4  marcs,  vacant,  namely,  Kylliely,  by  the  free 
resignation  of  Gaufridy  Artur,  lately  its  vicar,  and  the 
others  being  so  long  vacant  that  the  appointment  lapsed 
to  the  Holy  See. 

1499.  Gerald  Thome  de  Geraldinis,  cleric.  Limerick 
diocese,  principal  in  his  own  name,  bound  himself  to- 


ECCLESIASTICAL    AFFAIRS    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  31I 

the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  canoniy 
and  prebend  of  Kyhide  (Killeedy),  value  i6  marcs, 
vacant  by  the  privation  of  Maurice  Swperyall. 

1500.  A  Bull  for  uniting  the  perpetual  vicarage  of 
Kilscannell  with  the  chancellorship  during  the  life  of 
Maurice  Mulcorchrii,  chancellor. 

1501.  John  Mihtes  de  Glandcorbory  de  Geraldinis, 
canon  of  the  diocese  of  Limerick,  bound  himself  to  the 
Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  archdeacon- 
ship,  value  60  marcs,  vacant  in  a  certain  manner. 

Philip  Marchycayn,  perpetual  vicar  of  the  parochial 
church  of  Killaryssy  (Kilfergus),  Limerick  diocese, 
principal,  bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for 
the  first  fruits  of  the  vicarages  of  Killbradaryn  (Kil- 
bradran)  and  Kilmaylayn  (Kilmoylan),  both  together, 
value  12  marcs,  vacant  for  such  a  length  of  time  as 
the  appointment  devolved  on  the  Holy  See.  William 
O'Dunagain  and  Donald  Midanochi  unlawfully  occupies 
them.  Also  a  mandate  for  their  union  with  the  parochial 
church  of  Killarissy  (Kilfergus). 

1502.  The  venerable  Richard  Yhunwan  (O'Noonan), 
cleric  of  the  diocese  of  Limerick,  bound  himself  to  the 
Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  perpetual 
vicarages  of  the  parochial  churches  of  Killide  (Killeedy) 
and  Kylochcleban  (vel  Kylochcleban)  Killagholehan, 
value  12  marcs  silver,  to  be  united  to  his  canonry  and 
prebend  of  Limerick  during  his  life. 

1503.  The  venerable  James  Radimundi  {sic)  Mauriti, 
bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first 
fruits  of  the  vicarages  of  the  parochial  churches  of 
Cloyncomartha  (Colman's  Well)  in  the  dioceses  of  Limerick 
and  Cloyne  and  Ballynehehyn,  alias  Connothia,  of  the 
diocese  of  Limerick,  value  3  marcs,  and  Ballynehthyn, 
value  12  marcs. 

1505.  The  venerable  James  O'Ronayn,  bound  him- 
self to  the  ApostoUc  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the 


312  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

perpetual  vicarage  of  the  parochial  church  of  Kilhide 
(Killeedy),  vacant  in  a  certain  manner,  value  8  marcs. 

1503.  The  venerable  Ugo,  alias  Villae  Leys,  bound 
himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of 
the  perpetual  vicarages  of  Brury  (Bruree)  and  Soyndroin 
(Shandrum),  in  the  dioceses  of  Limerick  and  Cloyne, 
vacant  in  a  certain  manner,  to  be  united  to  the  rector- 
ship of  the  church  of  Clohynarwltey,  alias  Doondonnell, 
for  the  life  of  Ugo. 

1505-  James  Thomas  de  Geraldinis,  bound  himself  to 
the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  canonry 
and  prebend  of  Diserrthenisei  (Dysert)  and  Kibossini  ? 
and  Balecrestan  Krevych  ?  (Ballytrostan,  alias  Dun- 
naman)  parochial  churches,  vacant,  total  value  12  marcs. 

Andrew  Crach  (Creagh),  canon  of  Limerick,  bound 
himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of 
the  deanship,  value  76  marcs,  vacant  in  a  certain  way. 

Tadeus  O'Keeffe,  dean  of  Cloyne,  bound  himself  to 
the  Apostolic  Chamber  in  behalf  of  Andrew  Creagh  for 
the  first  fruits  of  the  parochial  church  of  St.  Laurence, 
diocese  of  Limerick,  value  25  marcs. 

Taddeus  O'Kywe  (O'Keefe),  dean  of  Cloyne,  bound 
himself  in  the  name  of  Patrick  Harold,  canon  super- 
numerary of  the  church  of  Limerick,  for  the  first  fruits 
of  the  perpetual  vicarage  of  Sti  Montini  {rede  Munchin), 
Limerick,  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber,  vacant  in  a 
certam  manner,  which  was  allowed  to  be  united  to 
the  canonry  of  Patrick  for  his  lifetime.  No  tax,  as 
it  did  not  exceed  24  florins. 

Maurice  Uhuiryly  (Hurley),  precentor  of  Eml}^  bound 
himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  in  the  name  of  Taddei 
O'Brien,  cleric  of  Limerick  diocese,  for  the  first  fruits 
of  the  canonry  and  prebend  of  Kilbebcain  (Kilpeacon), 
and  the  perpetual  vicarages  of  the  parochial  churches 
of  Crycowra  (Crecora),  Kythonyzin,  Feduir  (Fedamore), 


ECCLESIASTICAL    AFFAIRS    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  313 

in  a  certain  manner  vacant,  total  value  25  marcs,  and  to 
be  imited  for  his  lifetime. 

1506.  John  Ylongayn,  priest  of  the  diocese,  bound 
himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of 
the  parochial  church  of  Kilbride  (Kilbreedy),  and  the 
parochial  church  of  Daramacha  (Darragh),  also 
Duniris,  a  perpetual  vicarage,  and  Dongaymdme, 
united,  value  16  ducats,  vacant  in  a  certain  manner. 

1507.  Maurice  Yschalayn,  bound  himself  to  the 
Apostohc  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  vicarage 
of  the  parochial  church  of  Lancoly  (Loughill),  Limerick 
diocese,  also  the  perpetual  vicarage  of  the  parochial 
church  of  Kylnactan  (Kilnaughten),  diocese  of  Ardfert, 
Loughill,  value  6  marcs,  and  the  other  10  marcs,  and  are 
to  be  united  to  his  canonry. 

1509.  Dermot  Machinry,  priest  of  the  diocese  of 
Limerick,  bound  himself  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  dean- 
ship,  vacant  by  the  privation  of  Andrew  Creagh,  value 
70  marcs. 

1510.  James  Radimund  Maurice  de  Geraldinis,  canon 
of  Limerick,  bound  himself  for  the  first  fruits  of  the 
deanship  and  the  vicarage  of  Balte  Tanckard  (Tankards- 
town),  united,  value  70  marcs,  vacant  in  a  certain  manner. 

1513.  Gerald  O'Mulcoarkyr,  bound  himself  for  the 
first  fruits  of  the  chancellorship,  vacant  in  a  certain 
manner,  value  60  marcs. 

1519.  Stephen  Harod  (Harold),  cleric  of  the  Limerick 
diocese,  bound  himself  to  the  Apostohc  Chamber  for  the 
first  fruits  of  the  treasurership,  value  60  marcs,  vacant 
in  a  certain  manner  or  by  death. 


jfitteentb    Centurv?. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

THE    AFFAIRS   OF   THE    CITY. 

In  the  opening  years  of  the  fifteenth  century  the  citizens- 
were  busily  engaged  in  repairing  the  fortifications  of  the 
town,  as  they  Hved  in  continual  dread  of  the  neighbouring 
chiefs,  who  were  ever  ready  to  raid  the  city  when  a 
favourable  opportunity  offered. 

1400.  The  Government  was  always  favourably  dis- 
posed to  such  loyal  subjects  whose  fidelity  was  often  put 
to  a  severe  test  but  never  wavered. 

Accordingly  they  received  a  grant  with  the  assent 
of  the  council  of  20  marcs  yearly,  for  ten  years,  frorfi 
the  issue  of  the  lax  weir,  to  be  expended  on  the  repairs 
of  the  bridges  and  walls  of  the  city  under  the  super- 
vision of  John  Arthur  and  Thomas  Spicer.  In  the 
same  year  they  were  favoured  with  a  new  charter  by 
Henry  IV,  which  confirmed  all  the  old  privileges  they 
enjoyed  under  that  of  Edward  I.  Whatever  prosperity 
these  royal  gifts  may  have  conferred  on  the  city,  was 
short-lived,  as  all  the  buildings,  both  wood  and  stone, 
were  burned  by  a  woman  in  the  year  1413.^  This 
calamity  gave  the  citizens  new  energy  to  rebuild  their 
city,  and  to  encourage  them,  Henry  V  gave  them  a  new 
charter. 

During  the  remaining  years  of  the  century  a  syste- 
matic effort  was  made  to  complete  the  fortifications, 
and  so  thoroughly  was  the  work  carried  out,  that 
Limerick  was  known  in  after  years  as  the  best  fortified 
city  in  the  kingdom. 

The  part  of  the  town  built  on  the  island  was  previously 
well  fortified,   and  now  that   part  lying  beyond   Ball's 

^  Anns.  Four  Masters. 


THE  AFFAIRS  OF  THE  CITY.  315 

Bridge  called  the  Irishtown,  received  the  attention  of 
the  corporation.  As  early  as  1395,  during  the  mayor- 
alty of  Walter  Dannel,  the  fourth  west  tower  was  built 
in  the  Irishtown,  and  in  1401,  Thomas  Balbeyn  left  by 
will,  Thomcore  Castle  1  to  the  citizens,  the  site  of 
which  in  later  times  was  occupied  by  the  old  market- 
house.  In  1421  the  town  wall  was  completed  from 
Na  Clona  Tower  to  St.  John's  Gate.  In  1431,  Patrick 
Cogan,  bailiff  (sheriff),  built  a  tower  which  joined  the 
east  wall  of  the  Irishtown,  and  from  the  fact  that  he  was 
the  overseer  of  the  work,  it  became  known  as  Cogan' s 
Tower.  In  1441,  John  Loftus  and  Edmund  Harold, 
baihffs,  built  part  of  a  wall  near  Cromwell's  tower,  and 
in  1450,  St.  John's  Gate  was  commenced  and  finished  in 
1495,   thereby   completing  the  fortifications. 

The  castle  in  this  as  well  as  in  the  previous  century 
was  well  attended  to,  and  governors  regularly  appointed. 
The  inhabitants  of  the  city,  during  this  century,  seem 
to  be  completely  out  of  touch  with  the  surrounding 
country,  using  little  or  no  communication  with  them, 
but  sticking  tenaciously  to  the  manners  and  customs 
of  the  foreigners — genume  West  Britons. 

In  the  charter  they  received  in  1413,  the  following 
clause  occurs,  which  well  illustrates  their  attitude  to  the 
native  Irish,  viz.  : — 

That  no  one  who  is  of  the  blood  and  the  Irish  nation 
understanding  or  taking  the  term  Hibernicus,  as  it  is  ac- 
customed in  our  land  of  Ireland  to  be  understood  and  taken, 
shall  be  mayor,  nor  shall  exercise  any  other  office  within 
the  city  aforesaid,  nor  shall  within  the  same  city  take  or 
support  any  man  or  infant  of  Irish  blood  and  nation  afore- 
said, as  an  apprentice,  under  pain  of  losing  his  franchise 
in  the  city. 

This  law  was  framed  in  the  same  spirit  as  the  notorious 

1  See  Lenihan's  History  of  Limerick,  p.  235. 


3l6  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

Statute  of  Kilkenny,  and  introduced  for  the  purpose  of 
excluding  the  old  race  from  obtaining  any  dignities  or 
offices  in  their  native  city.  After  the  Reformation,  when 
the  sobriquet  of  "  mere  Irishman  "  became  merged  in 
that  of  "  papist,"  the  same  law  was  rigorously  enforced 
down  to  a  time  within  the  memory  of  men  still  living. 
Even  in  our  own  day,  though  the  law  is  abrogated,  the 
spirit  still  lives  and  is  always  enforced  when  its  advocates 
are  in  the  majority. 

In  1450^  the  city  was  suffering  from  a  scarcity  of 
food,  and  had  to  petition  the  king  for  permission  to 
allow  them  obtain  supplies  from  France.  In  the  petition 
they  complain  that  the  city  was  surrounded  on  every 
side  by  Irish  enemies,  as  well  as  English  rebels,  so  that 
the  citizens  and  commons  dwelling  within  the  city 
cannot  have  competent  provision  as  merchandize,  by 
which  the  said  citizens  and  commonality  are  to  live, 
unless  they  have  them  out  of  foreign  lands.  One  Maurice 
de  la  Noe,  merchant,  of  St.  Briola  in  Brettaigne,  used  to 
victual  the  said  city  with  corn,  wine,  honey,  salt,  and 
divers  other  merchandizes,  which  he  dare  not  continue 
for  fear  of  the  letters  of  marque,  reprisals,  and  other 
dangers,  to  come  to  the  city  if  it  be  not  remedied. 

In  answer  to  the  petition  it  was  granted  that  the 
said  Maurice,  or  his  deputies,  attorneys,  or  servants,  may 
come  with  sixty  persons,  and  that  they  shall  not  exceed 
sixty,  in  his  ship  or  ships,  as  often  as  he  shall  continue 
to  come  for  three  years  next  issuing,  and  were  allowed 
to  be  under  the  protection  of  the  king,  going  and  coming, 
provided  always  that  they  carry  themselves  well  and 
loyally  towards  the  king  and  his  liege  people,  in  coming, 
going,  and  so  residing. 

About  this  time  they  were  forced  also  to  seek  a 
dispensation  from  some  of  the  provisions  of  the  Statute 

I  Slat.  Roll  28,  Henry  VI. 


THE  AFFAIRS  OF  THE  CITY.  317 

of  Kilkenny  relative  to  their  dealings  with  the  "  Irish 
enemy  and  English  rebels."  They  were  so  hard  pressed 
in  1461  that  they  were  compelled  to  purchase  the  good 
will  of  Conor  O'Brien  by  an  annual  tribute  of  60  marcs. 
To  enkindle  a  martial  spirit  in  the  citizens,  it  was  enacted 
that  they  should  erect  booths  for  shooting  on  every 
hohday.  In  1470  it  was  further  enacted  that  every 
merchant  who  imported  goods  into  Limerick  should 
also  import  bows  to  the  value  of  100  shillings,  and  in 
1495,  every  subject  having  goods  to  the  value  of  £2 
was  commanded  to  have  a  jack,  sallet,  an  English  bow 
and  sheaf  of  arrows,  and  every  free-holder  a  horse, 
also  to  assist  the  king. 

During  this  century  a  great  number  of  new  families 
settled  down  in  the  city,  as  there  are  thirty-six  new 
names  on  the  municipal  list.  They  may,  however,  have 
been  old  residents  who  did  not  take  much  interest  in 
municipal  affairs  until  this  century.  The  city  seems  to 
have  had  an  extensive  trade  with  foreign  countries,  and 
judging  from  the  few  meagre  mementos  of  some  of 
the  citizens,  it  must  have  enjoyed  a  fair  share  of  pros- 
perity. Fortunately  there  is  preserved  a  sketch  of  one 
of  its  citizens  in  the  Arthur  MSS.^  who  maybe  taken  as 
a  fair  representative  of  the  leading  merchants  of  his  day. 
Nicholas  Thomas  Arthur,  as  he  is  styled,  was  born 
in  Limerick  about  the  beginning  of  the  fifteenth 
century,  and,  Uke  his  ancestors,  became  a  merchant. 
He  was  accustomed  to  export  for  the  use  of  the 
king  of  England,  and  of  English  princes  and  nobles, 
horses  of  superior  breed,  hounds,  swift  flying  falcons, 
scarlet  mantles,  the  skins  of  otters,  squirrels,  and  other 
soft  furred  animals  ;  besides  pillars  and  tables,  made 
of  polished  and  variegated  marble,  whereby  he  gained 
great  popularity  and  considerable  wealth. 

In  June,    1428,    he    sailed  from    Limerick   on  board 

1  See  Lenihan's  History  of  Limerick. 


3l8  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

a  merchant  vessel  belonging  to  John  Chrich..  a  citizen 
of  London.  After  being  at  sea  for  a  short  time  on  his 
way  to  England  with  a  large  cargo  of  goods,  he  fell  in 
with  pirates  who  were  subjects  of  the  Duke  of  Amoric, 
Brittany,  at  that  time  a  bitter  enemy  of  the  King  of 
England.  They  seized  the  cargo  which  was  value  for 
700  marcs,  and  took  it  together  with  Arthur  and  crew 
to  St.  Malo,  where  they  disposed  of  the  merchandize 
by  public  auction,  detaining  Arthur  himself  captive  in 
the  Mount  called  St.  Michael's  for  two  years,  until  he 
recovered  his  liberty  by  paying  400  marcs. 

Having  been  restored  to  liberty  he  immediately 
presented  himself  before  the  king,  and  gave  an  account 
of  the  losses  he  and  his  friend  John  Chrich  had  sustained. 
He  stated  his  case  so  well,  that  he  succeeded  in  obtain- 
ing letters  patent  in  1430,  authorizing  him  to  make 
reprisals  to  the  amount  of  ^5, 332,  13s.  ^d.,  from  the  pro- 
perty of  the  subjects  of  the  duke,  wherever  they  were 
found  within  the  dominions  of  the  King  of  England, 
whether  by  land  or  sea.  Armed  with  this  authority 
he  set  to  work  with  perseverance  and  energy,  and 
succeeded  in  levying  the  reprisals  off  them  to  the  last 
farthing. 

1430.  The  king  also  granted  the  further  favour  of 
allowing  him  to  construct  a  fishery  suitable  for  taking 
salmon  and  other  fish  on  the  bank  of  his  farm  at  Castle 
Blath  (Farrenshone),  to  the  mid-channel  of  the  Shannon, 
but  in  such  a  way  as  that  free  passage  was  to  be  allowed 
to  ships  sailing  to  and  from  the  port  of  Limerick.  He 
married  Katherine  Skiddy  of  Cork,  who  possessed  vast 
wealth.  From  this  union  six  sons  were  born,  four  of 
whom  were  mayors  of  their  native  city,  one  bailiff 
(sheriff)  of  the  city,  and  Thomas,  who  has  been  already 
mentioned,  became  bishop  of  the  diocese.  He  himself 
was  many  times  mayor  of  the  city.  After  leading  an 
active  and  honourable   life,    he    died   fortified    by    the 


THE  AFFAIRS  OF  THE  CITY.  319 

Sacraments  of  the  Church,  and  was  interred  in  the 
ancestral  tomb  in    St.  Mary's  CathedraL 

There  are  some  wills  extant  of  other  prominent 
citizens  of  this  century,  which  give  an  insight 
into  the  manners  and  customs  of  this  period,  and  will 
be  treated  of  when  we  come  to  speak  of  the  cathedral. 

In  the  year  1467  a  mint  was  established  in  the  city 
for  the  coining  of  money  which  must  have  given 
commerce  a  great  impetus. 

1484.  A  parliament  was  held  in  the  city  by  the 
lord  deputy,  Gerald,  Earl  of  Kildare. 

1495.  The  guild  of  merchants  was  erected  into  a 
brotherhood,  and  several  regulations  were  drawn  up 
for  the  advancement  of  the  commercial  interests  of  the 
city.  In  the  rebellion  of  Perkin  Warbeck  the  citizens 
were  loyal,  and  as  a  reward  for  their  adherence,  Henry 
VII  granted  them  a  new  charter. 

In  1500  a  ship  arrived  in  Limerck  from  Bristol, 
with  a  cargo  of  contraband  goods  which  was  forfeited, 
and  the  money  realized  from  the  sale  of  the  freight  was 
spent  in  building  a  wall  and  a  vault  on  the  south  side 
of  the  quay.  The  vault  was  entered  by  a  flight  of  steps 
from  the  end  of  Bridge  Street,  and  was  utilized  as  a  six- 
gun  battery.  The  top  of  the  covered  way  was  a  favourite 
walk  of  the  citizens.  At  this  period  the  city  seems  to 
have  enjoyed  considerable  prosperity,  and  the  citizens 
being  encouraged  by  the  security  that  the  strong  forti- 
fications afforded  them  against  the  Irish  enemy  and 
English  rebel,  began  to  improve  their  dwellings  and 
beautify  the  city,  so  that  Stanchurst,  in  the  middle  of 
the  sixteenth  century,  describes  the  buildings  as  being 
sumptuous  and  substantial.  The  accompanying  map  of 
the  city  is  supposed  to  have  been  made  in  Elizabeth's 
reign,  and  gives  a  fair  idea  of  the  arrangement  of  the 
streets,  the  position  of  the  public  buildings,  and  the 
extent  of  the  walls. 


dftttcentb  Century. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

THE    CIVIL    AFFAIRS    OF    THE    COUNTRY    PORTION    OF    THE 
DIOCESE. 

At  the  unexpected  death  of  John,  fifth  Earl  of  Desmond, 
his  son  and  heir,  Thomas  was  a  minor,  and  the  king 
granted  the  wardship  of  his  estates  to  James,  Earl  of 
Ormonde,  in  1402.  A  few  years  later,  however,  the  king 
granted  Thomas  a  pardon  for  all  offences  and  special 
livery  of  all  his  castles,  with  power  to  appoint  seneschals, 
justices,  and  other  officers  though  still  a  minor. 

Accordingly  in  141 1  he  issued  a  precept  to  his  treasurer 
to  collect  and  levy  several  sums  of  money  amounting  to 
/700,  being  the  profits  of  assizes  held  in  his  court  of  Kerry. 
He  soon  after  passed  into  England,  and  returned  in 
1414,1  bringing  a  great  many  Saxons  to  devastate  Munster. 
He  was  very  fond  of  hunting,  and  on  one  of  these  ex- 
peditions he  was  benighted  near  Abbeyfeale.  He  spent 
the  night  in  the  house  of  one  of  his  tenants  named 
MacCormick,  and  while  there,  became  acquainted  with 
his  host's  daughter,  Catherine,  whom  he  subsequently 
married.  This  union  was  considered  unworthy  of  the 
head  of  the  noble  house  of  Desmond,  and  his  friends, 
followers,   and  subjects  deserted  him  in  disgust. 

His  uncle,  James,  taking  advantage  of  this  misunder- 
standing, made  war  on  his  nephew,  and  succeeded  in 
expelling  him  three  times  from  his  estates  after  a  feeble 
resistance.  Ultimately  he  was  forced  to  resign  his 
estates  at  Callan  in  1418,  in  the  presence  of  the  Earl 
of  Ormonde,  to  his  uncle,  on  the  condition  that  his  son 

^  Anns.  Four  Masters. 


CIVIL   AFFAIRS   OF   THE    DIOCESE.  32I 

Maurice  should  get  an  earl's  portion,  which  was  agreed 
upon,  and  he  was  assigned  Mallow,  Broghill,  and 
Kilcolman. 

After  suffering  such  severe  treatment  from  his  friends 
and  subjects  he  quitted  the  country,  and  died  at  Rouen 
in  Normandy  in  the  year  1420.1  It  is  said  that  the  King 
of  England  attended  his  funeral.  James  now  became 
Earl  of  Desmond,  and  was  imbued  with  more  of  the 
Celtic  nature  than  any  of  his  predecessors,  as  he  passed 
his  youth  with  the  O'Briens  of  Thomond. 

After  obtaining  the  estates  and  honours  of  the  family 
he  immediately  ingratiated  himself  with  the  ruling 
powers  by  raising  an  army  of  five  thousand  horse  and 
foot,  and  proceeded  against  O'Conor  and  Bermingham 
who  were  ravaging  the  Pale.  As  a  recompense  for  the 
great  losses  he  sustained  in  this  expedition,  the  king 
was  pleased  to  grant  him  the  command  of  the  Castle 
of  Limerick.  Also  the  people  of  Meath  voted  him  a 
subsidy  which  was  ordered  to  be  assessed  and  levied  by 
the  king's  commissioners. 

In  1438  Robert  Geoffry  Cogan  granted  Earl  James 
all  his  lands  in  Ireland,  being  about  half  of  the  County 
Cork,  which  he  took  possession  of,  the  following  year, 
thereby  greatly  increasing  his  landed  property.  In 
1445  he  obtained  a  patent  from  the  government  for  the 
custody  of  the  counties  of  Cork,  Kerry,  Limerick,  and 
Waterford,  together  with  a  licence,  in  reward  for  his 
good  services  in  keeping  these  counties  in  peace,  to 
absent  himself  from  the  future  parhaments  provided 
he  sent  a  sufficient  proxy,  and  also  to  purchase  any 
lands  he  pleased,  by  what  service  soever  they  were 
holden  of  the  king.  He  was  married  to  a  daughter  of 
UHc  Burke,   MacWilliam  Eight er,  ^  chief   of  Connaught, 

1  O'Daly,  in  History  of  Geraldmes,  says  that  Thomas  rebelled  against 
the  English,  and  being  accused  of  treason,  fled  to  France. 

2  See  Anns.  Four  Masters,  vol.  vi.,  p.  2,183. 

y 


322  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

MacSheehy,  progenitor  of  the  Sheehy,  family  came  to 
Limerick  as  captain  of  a  body-guard  with  this  lady, 
where  his  services  were  retained  by  the  Earl  of  Desmond 
as  captain  of  gallowglass.  He  then  built  the  castle  of 
Lisnacullia  (Woodfort),  in  the  parish  of  Clonagh,  about 
four  miles  west  of  Rathkeale.  In  after  times  his  des- 
cendants were  the  most  loyal  and  faithful  supporters 
of  the  last  earl  of  that  noble  house. 

Early  in  this  century  the  earl's  foster-brother,  Brian 
Duff,  crossed  the  Shannon  and  took  up  his  residence  at 
Carrigogunnell,  giving  his  name  to  that  barony  known 
even  in  our  times  as  Pubble  Brien,  which  was  co-extensive 
with  the  old  territory  of  Escluana  that  formerly  belonged 
to  the  Burkes.  In  1449,  Richard,  Duke  of  York,i  was 
suspected  in  England  of  plotting  to  secure  the  throne 
for  himself  as  he  had  a  prior  claim  to  Henry  VI,  who  was 
now  in  feeble  health.  He  was  sent  to  Ireland  as  Vicero}^, 
which  was  considered  a  mild  but  effectual  way  of 
frustrating  his  ambition.  Having  taken  up  the  office 
he  inaugurated  a  policy  of  conciliation,  and  in  a  short 
time  won  the  good  wishes  of  the  colonists  and  of  the 
native  Irish. 

In  1450,  George,  Duke  of  Clarence,  was  born  in 
Dublin  Castle,  and  Richard  got  the  Earls  of  Desmond 
and  Ormonde  to  stand  sponsors  at  the  font.  The  next 
year  he  crossed  over  to  England  to  advance  his  cause, 
and  appointed  the  Earl  of  Ormonde  as  his  deputy 
during  his  absence.  When  Ormonde  took  office  he  pur- 
sued an  active  campaign  against  the  Irish  bordering 
on  the  Pale.  In  1452  he  was  in  the  County  Limerick, 
and  wasted  the  Mulryan  country.  Towards  the  end  of 
the  year,  however,  his  career  was  cut  short  by  death. 

There  is  extant  a  document  called  the  Rental  of 
Connello,  Co.  Limerick,  and  dated  1452,  giving  the  extent 

1  See  Gilbert's    i'iceroys  of  Ireland, 


CIVIL   AFFAIRS   OF   THE   DIOCESE.  323 

of  the  estates  and  services  lying  within  that  district. 
There  is  now  no  means  of  ascertaining  whether  it  was 
made  out  by  the  consent  of  the  Earl  of  Desmond,  who 
was  a  close  personal  friend  of  the  Duke  of  York,  and 
perhaps  raised  as  a  subsidy  to  assist  him  at  this  critical 
period  of  his  fortune  ;  or  whether  it  was  made  out  by  the 
deputy,  Ormonde,  the  result  of  a  policy  of  force,  as  the 
families  were  never  very  friendly,  and  happened  at  this 
juncture  to  be  allied  to  opposite  sides — Desmond  being 
an  ardent  supporter  of  the  Duke  of  York,  and  Ormonde 
of  the  ruhng  sovereign  Henry  VI. 

It  is  a  very  valuable  document  and  is  here  inserted 
in  full  with  the  identification  of  many  of  the  townlands 
mentioned   therein. 

Shcncd  {Shanid). 
Rent  of  the  free  tenants  there  : — 

Ballyrug  (Ballyroe) 

Granagh  (near  Corgrig,  but  now  obsolete) 

Ballyeghn  (Ballyane) 

Kylcoscran  (Kilcosgrave) 

Toullaghawson  (?)    . . 

OGalcowyr  (perhaps  Glenagower,  near  Athea) 

■Gortymolkeran  (part  of  Morgans) 

Arddrj-n  (perhaps  Ardaneer) 

Donngythe  (now  Dooncaha) 

Ballyngowyn  (was  in  the  mountainous  part  of 

Kilmoylan  parish,  but  no\y  obsolete) 
Glencorbry  (parish  of  Glin)  . . 

Total  rent  of  the  free  tenants  of  Shanid . .       5b  10 

The  rent  of  the  farmers  of  Shened  (Shanid)  : — 

Clontaman  ..  ..  ..  .  .  12     6 

Toullaghartylla  . .  . .  . .  53     4 

Terra  Martyn  . .  . .  . .  .  .  72 

Sheniclon  . .  . .  . .  . .  73 


5. 

d. 

12 

I 

5 

0 

13 

4 

13 

4 

I 

0 

3 

4 

2 

i^ 

I 

0 

0 

i| 

0 

6 

5 

0 

324 


DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 


were  beside  each  other  in  western  portion 
loylan  Parish,  and  may  be  now  repre- 
sented by  Cloonty. 


Clonykedegn  |  These  tw 

Clonyclothna) 

Gawyr  (on  the  mountain  near  Shanid) 

Bylleloman 

Cnokannecroythe  and  Shanganagh    . . 

Ffeddanys 

Parvo  Parco 

BallenbothjT 

Ballengarran 

Cnokcoweny 

Athdee  (Athea) 

Moymore  (Banemore,  near  Athea)      . . 

Bellaghdrome  (between  Athea  and  Ballyhahill) 

Cnoknegornath  (now  Knocknagornagh) 

Veti  Pom'io  (The  Old  Orchard) 

T'ra  Norreys  (?)      .. 

Inchenegerath  (?)    .. 

Ffoynd  (Foynes)      .. 

Granagh  (near  same) 

Crag  (Cragg) 

Dorenys  (Durnish)  .  . 

Catherycomere 

Monetrynoge 

Messor'  de  Shenned,  (the  chief  servant  in  harvest 

time,  called  sometimes  a  bailiff,  Jacob's   Law 

Die.) 
D'Molys  manualibus  ibidm  (hand  mills  there) 
D'S'iandria  ibidem  (sergeancy  there)  . . 
D'Molendino    Nove    Grangie   (the   mill   of   New 

Grange) 


(7     3 
do  10 

13     4 
i6     6 

2    II 
10      O 


3     4 

5     o 

13     o 


30     o 
15 

15 
15 

I 

7 
3 


o 
o 
o 

I 
o 
o 

20      O 

15  74 

3  4 

3  6 

10  o 

13  4 


3     4 
7     6 

20      O 


Total  rent  of  the  farmers  of  Shanid 


£22  17 


Kyllydc  {Killeedy). 
Rent  of  the   free  tenants  there  : — 
D'Terra  Johis  Thotomonie  (this  is  the  half  quarter 
that  was  held  by  John  Thomond  and  was  at 
Lough  in  the  east  of  the  parish)      . . 


7     6 


CIVIL   AFFAIRS    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  325 

Terra  Hervey  (this  was  the  half  quarter  held  by  s.   d. 
Hervey  at  Agag'  and  Hermiston,  and  would 

be  between  Auglish  and  Springfield)  . .  34 

De  Campo  Richardi  (now  unknown) . .  . .  3     4 

Glencoyme  (Glenquin  was  in  Newcastle  manor 

in  1298)  . .  . .  . .  . .  01 

The  rent  of  the  farmers  of  Kyllyde  (Killeedy)  : — 

Lawaghmore)      That   part  of  the   parish  now 

Lawghbeg      \  known  as  Hernsbrook 

Kyntoher  (now  Kantogher) 

Ballydowan  (now  Ballydugig) 

Bellagh  (now  Ballagh) 

Gortnecloythe     (now     Gortnacloghy,     popularly 

Ashford) 
Ballyowen  (Ballyowen) 
Kylkynre  (now  Kilcoora)      . . 
Ffynglesse  (south-west    of   Killeedy  castle,  now 

obsolete) 
Dowyll  (now  Dromroe) 
Clonydirdawyn  (obsolete)     . . 
Kylkyllyn  de  Montan'   (now  Killacullen,  in  the 

Tournafulla  district)  ..  ..  ..         60 

De  Molys  manualibus  de  Kyllyde  (the  hand  mills 

of   Killeedy)         ..  ..  ..  ••         7     U 

D  S'iandria  ibide  (the  sergeancy  there)  . .        13     4 


s. 

d. 

,40 

0 

(I3 

4 

36 

8 

40 

0 

20 

0 

6 

8 

8 

4 

12 

9 

26 

8 

16 

8 

12 

6 

Total  rent  of  farmers . .  . .  /15     i     o| 

Rcddif  Dmcorx  de  Kyllyde. 

(The  rent  of  the  Lordships  of  Killeedy). 

D'Terra  Burgenard  ibidm  (the  burgess  land  there)  2     o 
Croftys  (enclosed  bits  of  land  near  the  castle  for 

tillage  or  pasture,  Jacob's  Law.  Die.)  . .  o  10 

Veti  pom'io  (the  old  orchard)  . .  . .  i     i 

Ballykyneghe  (now  Ballykenny)  . .  . .  60 


3-26  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK 

•    s.     (L 
Messore  ib  (harvest  bailiff  there)  . .  . .         34 

Tra  Dominicox  de  Kyllyde  (the  land  of  the  lord- 
ship of  Killeedy)  . .  . ,  . .        40     o 


Total  rent  of  lordships  of  K-lleedy         .  .;r2  13     0 

Corkoyth. 
Reddit  !ib.  ten  ibidm.  (Rent  of  free  tenants  there.) 

Rathcathyll  (now  Rathe ahill)  . .  . .        13     4 

Kylcalply  (now  unknown)    . .  . .  . .        13     4 


Total  rent  of  free  tenants  there . .  . .        26     8 

Redditus  Firmar  de  Corkoyth,     (The  rent  of  the  farmers.) 

Ballyodullyth  (Ballydahy  ?) 

Ballyogarwyeth  (Ballymorrough) 

K3dcredan  (perhaps  Crean)  . . 

Kylmsnewyn 

Ballygewyll  (now  Ballygeal) 

Rathneconnere  (obsolete,  but   was    on  the    hill 
south-west  of  Glenquin) 

Dromrathnagh  (Dromtrasna) 

Cnokbrarke  (Knockbrack)    . . 

Kylconleth  (now  Kilkinlea) . .  . .     ' 

Dromlathr^^n  (this  is  called  in  Feytoji's  Survey 
Kylleyndroomelarra,  now  locally  known  as 
Killenigh,  in  eastern  part  of  Abbeyfea'e  parish)    11     8 

Gortawrehanyth  (in  Peyton  it  is  written  Gor- 
teawrohanna.  The  wood  in  it  is  called  Glan- 
gortwrohanna,  and  as  such  it  is  written  in  the 
Courtney  grant  of  1639.  ^^  course  of  time  the 
rohanna  was  dropped  and  Glengort  became  the 
name  by  which  that  townland  is  now  known 
in  the  Tournafulla  district)  . .  . .          6     8 

Kannecully  ?  . .  . .  . .  . .        20     o 

Seskynlethduff  (Seskin,  in  Abbeyfeale  Parish) . .         S     4 


40 

0 

40 

0 

46 

8 

40 

0 

20 

0 

II 

oJ 

33 

4 

20 

0 

15 

0 

CIVIL   AFFAIRS    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  327 

S.     d. 

Mynneclothy  (Meenkilla  ?)  5     » 

Cnokrathdermod     (the     district     round     Mount 

Collins)  ..  ..  ••  ••  50 

Molys  Manualibus  ibid,  (hand  mills  there)  . .  7     9 

Siandria  ibiden  (sergeancy  there)         . .  . .  S     9 


The  rent  of  the  farmers  there  . . 


£17     9     2i 


O'Bathm  {O'Bathyn). 
The  rent  of  the  free  tenants  there  :— 

Dyrryndromcarryn  (Derreen,  near  Athea)        ..  13     4 

Cnoknesanthe  ?        . .              . .              •  •              •  •  4     o 

Kylsananleth  ?         . .              •  •              •  •              •  •  20 

Nenagh    (the    district    about    the    old    mill    or 

Ashgrove)              ..              ••              ••              ••  ^     ^ 

Dowathkatyn  (Doocatteen,  parish  Newcastle)  o     3 

Glangown  (Glenagown,  parish  Newcastle)          . .  00 

The  total  rent  of  free  tenants  of  O'Bathn"      £1     6     8 


The  rent  of  the  farmers  of  O'Bathyn'':- 
Ruscathmore    )   called  now  Rooska  east  and 


west 
two  small  townlands  near  the 
old  mill 


Ruscathbeg       ) 

Athdowan  } 

Glengorth  ^ 

Berryn  (now  Ballynabearna) 

Asdare  (now  Glenstar) 

Donnwyll  (Dunganville) 

Ballyconere  which  is   called   Ballemenyth,  now 

known  as  Ballinena 
Ballyathern  ? 

Ballyhursynte  (Ballypierce) . . 
Dowaly  (Dooally)    . . 
Lvsnebratnagh 
Garranbeg,   which  is  called  Ballyfflayffe  (Bally- 

lahiff) 


43 
40 
o 
33 
36 
33 
40 

43 
43 
43 
40 
6 


24 

0 

8 

0 

3 

4 

I 

0 

328  DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 

S.    d. 
D'Molys  manualibus  de  O'Bathyn"  (the  hand  mills 

of  O'Bathyn^)       , .  . .  . .  . .  10     i 

S'iandria  ibidm  (the  sergeancy  there)  . ,  . .  20     o 

D.  Molendino  de  Ardath  (the  mill  of  Ardagh)      . .  33     4 

Total  rent  of  the  farmers  of  O'Bathyn''     . .   £26  16     8 

Ardagh. 
Rent  of  burgage  there  : — 

D'Villata  de  Ardagh  (the  town  of  Ardagh) 

D'Ballyduffgyn  ?     . . 

D'Ffurno  and  S'iandria  ibidm  (the  bake  house  and 

sergeancy  there)  . . 
D'Tenemto    Robti    Lowell    (the    tenement    of 

Robert  Lowell)    . . 
The  total  rent  of  Ardagh  is  36s.  4^.,  of  which 

26s.  M.  is  paid  in  rent  to  the  Bishop  and  there 

remains  for    the  lord 

Novu  Castm  Redditus  Dnicorum  ibdem. 
Rent  of  Lordships  there  : — 

Gortdowran 

Terr  'y  halpyn 

Gortloman 

Mora 

Una  acr'infra  Defens'dni 

D'Croftys  ibidm 

Garrangortmor,  alias  Ffarrynnerlowyn  .  .  60 

Tra  Comydyn  . .  . .  , .  . .  26 

D'Argento  galinarx  ibidm  (money  paid  instead  of 
hens,  as  it  was  customary  in  some  manors  to 
make  such  a  charge)  . .  . .  . .  09 

Molendino  (the  mill  of  Newcastle)  ..  ..  6     8 

Messore  ibdm.  (the  harvest  bailiff  there  . .  34 


4  0 

0  6 

1  6 
o  6 
7  6 


CIVIL   AFFAIRS    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  32() 

s.  d. 

Messore  of  Newgrange  . .  . .  . .  3     4 

Messore  of  Kylroddan  (Kilrodane)       ..  ..  3     4 

Total  rent  of  the  Ville  of  Newcastle    ..     /i  i8  ii 


Villa  Rohti  Roth. 
Rent  of  free  tenants  there  :— 
There  is  no  further  particulars  given  of  this  locality, 
and  impossible  now  to  identify  it. 
D'Terra  Johis  fil  David  (the  land  of  John  Fitz- 
david) 


o     6 


The  rent  of  the  farmers  there  . .  ..£"246 


2  8 

2  8 

0  li 

O  I 


Rathgalivay . 

Rent  of  free  tenants  there  : — 
Gortconnyth 

Bohirnebetagh  . .  . .  •  •  •  •  2 

Kyllynys 
Bellaghnelyge 
Gortneskethe  . .  •  •  •  •  •  •  o     i^ 

Total  rent  of  the  free  tenants  of  Rathgalway       5     8 
Rent  of  the  farmers  of  Rathgalway  : — 

Terr'  firmariorx  ibidm  . .  .  •  •  •  28      6 

Doungalgyn  alias  Ballyfarwyll  . .  • .  22      o 

Ballycullyn  ..  ..  ••  ••  ^4    6 

Lisnecallv  ••  ••  ••  ••  ^^     " 

Terra  Ylayff  . .  •  •  ■  •  •  •  7     o 

■Clonban  . .  •  •  •  •  •  • 

Where  exactly  this  district  lay  it  is  difficult  now  to 
say.  There  is  a  townland  called  Galway  in  Askeaton 
parish,  which  suggests  that  it  was  situated  in  that  part 
•of  the  country. 


s. 

d. 

5 

5i 

I 

6 

5 

0 

I 

0 

0 

3 

3 

4 

I 

6 

0 

li 

330  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

Moytawnagh  {Mahoonagh). 
Rent  of  the  free  tenants  there  :- 
Lyslygysse  (now  Lisaniska).. 
Rathbryle  (now  Rathfreedy) 
Lawagh  (Rath) 
Athmulke  (Ahawilk) 
Croman  (Feohanagh  district) 
Clonmor  (Cloonmore) 
Dyrre  (Knockaderry  ?) 
Cathranagh  (Curragh) 

Total  rent  of  the  free  tenants..  ..  16 

The  rent  of  the  farmers  there  : — 
Ballyharylla 

Bahynuske  (now  Bahiniska) 
Clonferta 

Ballykylle  (Ballygullen) 
Gurtynys  (Gorteen) 
Cloincheryn  (Cloonsherrick) .  . 
Monlena  (Moanleana) 
Clonmyskys  (Coohska) 
Kylneredyre  (Killeready) 
Ballyodowrty  ( Bally doorty) 
Ballymkylle  (Ballynakill)     .. 
Ballyubretnygh  (Walshestown) 
Gortskathy  (Gortscagh) 
Moyls  manualibus  (hand  mills)  . .  . .  — 

S'iandria  (sergeancy)  . .  . .  . .  — 

Total  rent  of  the  farmers  of  Moyt'          . .  £5  14     4 
Rent  of  the  Lordships  there  : — 
D'Terra  dmcorx  ibid"!  (the  land  of  the  lordships 

there)                    ..              ..              ..              ..  53     4 

D'Cottagiis  (cottagers)                           . .              . .  0  10 

D'Mora  (moor)         . .               . .              . .               .  .  06 

Total  rent  of  lordships  , .  . .     £2  14     8 


6 

8 

6 

8 

6 

8 

6 

8 

I 

0 

8 

0 

4 

8 

2 

0 

33 

4 

6 

8 

10 

0 

10 

0 

5 

0 

CIVIL    AFFAIRS    OF   THE    DIOCESE. 


531 


Innyskcsty  {Askcaton). 
Rent  of  free  tenants  there  : — 

D'Rathm-candan  (is  given  in  Peyton's  Survey 
as  being  in  the  parish  of  Kilscannell  and 
beside  the  townland  of  Bahinlyny,  but  no 
longer  remembered) 

Ballenekyhe 

Dromaspull 

Shendyrre  (was  in  Askeaton  parish).. 

Clonlogh  (was  in  Askeaton  parish)    . . 

Ballghegh 

Molendino  de  Ballyhegh 

Gortsyechn'  (was  in  Askeaton  parish) 

Keppathlyn  Motyng)    These  were  also   in  A 

Keppath  lyn  loge     ^"        keaton  parish 

Callonn 

Incheroyrk 

Dromermoyth 

Villata  de  Droury  .  . 

Lysdown 

Magno  Quartio 

Vallata  de  Innysk  . . 

Total  rent  of  free  tenants 

Rent  of  the  farmers  of  Askeaton 

D'Bahydowrtv 

Cathyr 

Terra  Valens 

Kylraynath 

Grage  and  Grage  loge 

Moyany 

Molendino  de  Innyskesty     . . 

Gurgitibus,  ibid,  (fisheries)  . . 

S'iandria  ibid. 


2 

0 

3 

4i 

5 

0 

8 

0 

4 

0 

4 

0 

5 

0 

4 

3 

■    |3 

li 

0 

3 

3 

I2 

7 

0 

20 

0 

i8 

8 

i6 

8 

46 

8| 

£7  II     8i 


22 

10 

6 

8 

7 

6 

6 

8 

66 

8 

40 

0 

16 

8 

2 

0 

332 


DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 


Offargus. 
Rent  of  the  free  tenants  there  :- 


<?. 

d. 

D' Villa  Nichi 

II 

0 

Vet'  Villa 

10 

I 

Skethanagh  (Skehanagh) 

2 

6| 

Klycowan  (Kilquane) 

6 

0 

Rathogonan  (Rathgoonan)    . . 

13 

4 

Rathrewagh  beg  (Rathreigh  beg) 

13 

4 

Ballyegyne  (Ballyegny) 

3 

4 

Kyldonyll 

0 

3 

Lysnegaddy    (was    near    Coolcappa    but 

now 

obsolete) 

-  (sic) 

0 

9 

Total  value  of  the  free  tenants'  reni 

£3     0 

7} 

The  Royal  service  of  O'Conyll  when 

proclaimed  :- 

- 

D'Castro  de  Innyskesty 

40 

0 

Sendyre 

2 

0 

Gortsyethn 

5 

0 

Croth  (Croagh) 

33 

4 

Gortcolgyn  (Ballingarry) 

40 

0 

Corkmothyd  (Corcomohide) . . 

40 

0 

Kylbun 

20 

0 

Ardfynan  (a  townland  in  par.  of  Clonelty  obsolete) 

20 

0 

Castro  Robert  Dandownyll  vocata  Harolt 

?scas- 

tell  (Doon  Donnell  also  called  Cloghnarold 

from 

Harolt) 

10 

0 

Kylsanan  leth 

6 

8 

Rathm'kandan  (near  Clonagh) 

18 

II 

Stywardeston  (near  same  place) 

I 

I 

Kyltulte 

10 

0 

Ballyegyne  (Ballyegny) 

10 

0 

Drowry 

20 

0 

Glancorby  (Glin)     . . 

20 

0 

Lyeth  (Lealhys  near  Foynes) 

10 

0 

D'Castro  Robti  Goer  vocata  (Robertstowi 

1)      .. 

10 

0 

CIVIL    AFFAIRS    OF    THE    DIOCESE.  333. 


Molregan  (Morgans) 

Donmolyn  (Dunmo^dan) 

Rathronan 

Rathgele  (Rathkeale) 

Curryn  beg  and  bellathdurlys  (Carrons  and  Bally- 
doorlis  in  parish  of  Kilcoleman  West) 

Ballyelynan  (said  to  be  Ballinloughane  in  par. 
Dunmoylan,  others  say  Moneymohill  in  same 
parish,  and  judging  from  its  position  in  Petty's 
map,  the  latter  seems  the  more  likely) 


s. 

d. 

0 

0 

20 

0 

20 

0 

40 

0 

Total  of  regal  service      . .  . .  ;£22  12     o 

James,  after  retiring  from  public  life,  spent  the  even- 
ing of  his  days  in  peace  and  happiness  on  his  estates. 
Lodge  states  that  he  died  at  Mocolope  in  the  year  1462. 
and  was  laid  to  rest  at  Youghal.  According  to  the 
ancient  calendar  of  the  Dominicans  of  Limerick,  he  was 
buried  in  their  church  and  the  Friars  were  bound  to  have 
an  anniversary  Mass  for  the  repose  of  his  soul,  as  they 
regarded  him  as  their  second  founder.^  The  O'Clery 
Pedigree  states  that  he  died  at  Caislen  Nua  O'Conaill, 
Newcastle  West  of  Hyconaill,  and  was  buried  in  Tralee. 
His  son  Thomas  succeeded  to  the  title  and  honours  of 
the  family,  and  was,  like  all  his  family,  a  strong  sup- 
porter of  the  house  of  York.  He  received  many  favours 
from  Edward  IV,  a  scion  of  that  house. 

When  Tiptoft,  Earl  of  Worcester,  was  sent  to  Ireland 
as  Justiciary,  he  held  a  Parliament  at  Drogheda  in  1467,  at 
which  an  Act  was  passed  attainting  the  Earls  of  Des- 
mond, Kildare,  and  Edmund  Plunket,  for  their  aUiances, 
fosterage,  and  alterage  with  the  king's  Irish  enemy. 

Though  these  laws  had  by  this  time  fallen  into  disuse 
in  the  south,  especially  in  the  counties  of  Limerick,  Cork. 

1  See  History  of  Dominicans,  Father  Coleman. 

2  See  Journal,  R. S.A.I. ,  vol.  for  1879-1882,  p.  228. 


334  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

and  Kerry,  where  whatever  shred  of  Enghsh  government 
remained  was  principally  maintained  through  the  influ- 
ence of  the  Desmonds,  as  they  were  closely  allied  with 
the  old  Gaelic  families.  Desmond  repaired  to  Drogheda 
to  explain  the  line  of  policy  he  was  accustomed  to  follow 
in  his  relation  with  the  natives,  but  shortly  after  his 
arrival  he  was  seized  by  order  of  Tiptoft  and  put  to 
death,  to  the  astonishment  of  the  nobles  of  Erin.  He 
was  interred  in  St.  Peter's  Church  in  that  town. 

The  justiciary  is  said  to  have  been  an  interested  par- 
tisan, as  he  had  a  claim  to  some  lands  in  the  Co.  Cork, 
which  were  of  little  value  to  him  or  his  family,  owing  to 
the  influence  of  Desmond.  When  the  news  of  his  execu- 
tion reached  the  south  the  five  sons  of  the  martyred  Earl 
rose  in  rebellion,  plunged  into  Leinster,  and  began  to 
ravage  the  territories  of  the  Pale.  The  Earl  of  Kildare 
adopted  a  more  prudent  course,  by  repairing  in  person 
to  the  king  and  explaining  the  injustice  of  the  impeach- 
ment, with  the  result  that  Tiptoft  was  immediately  re- 
called to  England,  where  after  a  few  years  he  met  the 
death  he  had  inflicted  on  the  earl. 

James,  the  eldest  of  the  five  brothers,  succeeded  to 
the  family  honours,  and  having  been  pardoned  for  his 
revolt  by  the  king,  was  the  recipient  of  many  favours 
from  him  also. 

The  death  of  his  father  for  his  friendliness  to  the  Irish 
did  not  deter  the  son  from  taking  as  his  wife,  Margaret 
O'Brien,  daughter  of  the  Prince  of  Thomond. 

1489.  x\fter  enjoying  riches  and  honours  for  twenty 
years,  he  was  cruelly  murdered  in  his  castle  of  Rath- 
keale,!  by  John  MacGibuin  {i.e.,  Fitzgibbon),  the 
stammerer,  from  Magh  Tamnach  {i.e.  Mahonagh), 
through  treachery  and  treason,  as  some  say,  at  the  insti- 


1  See  Amis.  Four  Masters  ;    also  Journal  R.S.A.I.,  vol.   for   years 
1879-1882,  p.  229. 


CIVIL   AFFAIRS    OF   THE    DIOCESE.  335 

gation  of  John,  brother  of  the  earl.  MacGibuin  was  put 
to  death  and  his  accomphces  banished  by  Maurice, 
another  brother  of  the  earl,  who  assumed  the  title  as 
tenth  Earl  of  Desmond.  He  was  lame,  and  was  usually 
borne  in  a  horse-litter,  which  merited  for  him  the 
name  of  Vehiculus.  He  was  also  called  Bellicosus,  by 
reason  of  his  bravery. 

Like  all  adherents  of  the  house  of  York,  he  joined 
Perkin  Warbeck  in  1497.  After  the  exposure  and  cap- 
ture of  that  impostor,  he  submitted  to  the  king,  who 
not  only  pardoned  Maurice,  but  received  him  into  favour, 
granting  him  all  the  customs,  cockets,  poundage  and 
prize  wines  of  Limerick,  Cork,  Kingsale,  Baltimore,  and 
Youghal,  together  with  many  other  privileges. 

He  died  at  Tralee  in  the  year  1520,  and  was  buried  in 
the  Dominican  Convent  of  that  town.  With  the  death 
of  Maurice  we  now  close  the  secular  portion  of  this  his- 
tory, having  brought  it  down  to  the  eve  of  the  Refor- 
mation, the  limit  which  we  had  marked  out  for  ourselves. 
The  country  portions  of  the  diocese  in  this,  as  in  the  pre- 
ceding century,  had  very  little  respect  for  law  and  order. 
Most  of  the  towns  were  fortified,  and  in  that  way  enjoyed 
partial  security  from  the  incursions  of  hostile  visitors. 
Towns  such  as  BaUingarry,  situated  in  remote  parts  of 
the  country  without  walls,  were  at  the  mercy  of  hostile 
neighbours.  And  to  safeguard  their  lives  and  property, 
Henry  IV,  in  the  year  1408,  granted  to  the  Baihffs 
and  Commons  of  BaUingarry,  certain  customs  to  enable 
them  to  build  a  wall  round  the  town,  the  greater  part  of 
which  had  been  destroyed  by  the  Irish  foe  and  English 
rebel. 

Towards  the  close  of  this  century,  Kilmallock  1  suffered 
much  from  the  same  class  of  enemies,  and  had  to  seek 
the  protection  of  the  Government.     In  the  year  1482,  the 

1  See  Fitzgerald's  History  of  Limerick,  vol.  ii.,  p.  407. 


336  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

king,  taking  into  consideration  the  many  losses,  hazards, 
burnings,  and  other  grievances  which  the  town  had  sus- 
tained from  the  Irish  enemy  and  Enghsh  rebel,  granted 
a  licence  to  the  Burgesses  and  their  successors  to  elect 
from  themselves,  on  Monday  after  the  29th  of  Septem- 
ber, with  the  consent  of  twelve  of  the  better  and  chief 
Burgesses,  to  be  Sovereign,  and  in  the  case  of  his  death 
within  the  year  to  elect  another.  The  king  also  granted 
them  divers  customs  for  ever  to  build  and  keep  in  repair 
stone  walls  round  the  town,  and  power  to  the  Sovereign 
and  Common  Council  to  assess  the  inhabitants,  from  time 
to  time,  to  pay  the  salary  of  the  Sovereign  and  other 
expenses  for  the  common  good  of  the  town — saving  to 
the  Bishop  of  Limerick  and  his  successors  all  liberties, 
services,  and  customs  due  to  the  Crown. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

THE    MEDIEVAL    RELIGIOUS    FOUNDATIONS. 

"  Bernardus   valles,   montes    Benedictus  amabat, 
Oppida  Franciscus  celebres  Ignatius   urbes." 

MuNGRET,  Killeedy  and  the  other  religious  houses  that 
flourished  in  Hy  Fidhgente  sank  beneath  the  wave  of 
Danish  vandahsm,  never  to  rise  again. 

In  the  new  order  of  things  their  want  was  supplied 
from  the  Continent,  where  saintly  men  had  founded 
new  communities  that  were  daily  increasing  throughout 
Europe. 

A  short  time  before  the  coming  of  the  Normans,  the 
Cistercians  were  introduced  into  Ireland,  and  with  the 
Normans  came  the  Dominicans, Franciscans,Augustinians, 
and  other  Orders,  many  of  whom  are  with  us  to-day, 
though  the  hand  of  the  persecutor  fell  heavily  upon  them, 
as  the  noble  ruins  of  their  medieval  foundations  bear 
ample  testimon3^ 

A  history  of  the  different  medieval  religious  orders 
that  flourished  in  the  diocese  will  be  given  here,  as  the 
references  to  them  are  too  meagre  and  scattered  to  be 
inserted  from  century  to  century. 

The  Cistercians. 

The  Cistercian  Order  was  founded  by  a  body  of  Bene- 
dictine monks,  who  adopted  a  severer  and  more  secluded 
rule  of  life,  under  the  guidance  of  Robert,  Abbot  of  the 
Benedictine  Abbey  of  Molesme.  He  established  the  first 
house  of  the  new  Order  at  Citeaux  in  the  year  1098. 

Clairvaux  was  founded  ir  11 15,  being  the  fourth 
branch  house  that  was  established  in  such  a  short  space 
of  time. 

Z 


338 


DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 


When  St.  Malachy  was  journeying  to  Rome  about 
1 139,  he  rested  at  Clairvaux,  which  was  then  ruled  by 
the  great  St.  Bernard.  A  warm  and  lasting  friendship 
sprung  up  between  these  two  holy  men.  On  the  return 
journey,  Malachy  placed  some  of  his  companions  under 
the  care  of  St.  Bernard,  to  be  instructed  in  the  rules  and 
regulations  of  the  Order,  with  a  view  to  introducing  it 


into   Ireland.     In   due  time  these 


youn 


g  levites   came 


MONASTERANENAGH. 


home,  accompanied  hy  some  of  the  religious  of  Clair- 
vaux, and  established  the  first  Cistercian  Monastery  in 
their  native  land  at  Mellifont  in  1142,  which  became  the 
fruitful  mother  of  many  houses  of  that  Order  in  Ireland. 
Turlough  O'Brien,  King  of  Thomond,  introduced  the 
Order  into  Munster,  and  founded  a  monastery  for  them 
a  few  miles  south-east  of  Croom,  on  the  left  bank  of  the 
Commogue,  a  tributary  of  the  Maigue,  in  the  year  1148  or 
1151.     In^official  documents  it  is  always  styled  St.  Mary 


MEDIEVAL   RELIGIOUS    FOUNDATIONS.  339 

de  Magio  (perhaps  from  its  proximity  to  the  Maigue) 
and  in  Irish  records  it  is  called  Monasteranenagh. 
There  is  no  mention  made  of  this  house  until  the  year 
1174,  when  the  name  of  Donatus,  Abbot,  occurs  as  a 
subscribing  witness  to  a  grant  made  by  Dermot,  King  of 
Munster,  to  Gill  Abbey,  Co.  Cork.  John,  as  Earl  ^of 
Morton,  gave  a  large  grant  of  land  to  the  Abbey.  After 
becoming  king,  he  confirmed  in  the  year  1201,  to 
the  Abbey  and  the  monks  of  Blessed  Mary  de  Magio, 
all  the  lands,  etc.,  which  they  had  of  the  king's 
ancestors,  of  their  benefactors  since  the  king  arrived  in 
Ireland,  and  of  the  kings  and  princes,  as  well  of  the  Irish 
as  of  the  Franks,  to  hold  in  frankalmoin  free  from  all 
service,  according  to  the  liberty  of  the  Cistercian  Order. 
Then  the  following  list  of  townlands  are  given,  viz.  : — 

Kenelmegan,  where  the  monastery  is  situated. 

Athecrokain. 

Cealcon'ata. 

Cealcongi  (Kilconegan). 

Athen  (Athneasy). 

Ceallmor. 

Cluaincollam. 

Cluain  Mecsradin. 

Baliidubdi. 

Baliiduban 

The  Grange  of  Briddain. 

Cluain  Melrach, 

Cleal  Mecceril. 

Balitarsim. 

Cathirnachongearr. 

Baliiedain. 

Baliiriagan. 

The  Grange  of  Nahava. 

Enachchuli  inCorbaU  (near  Knockainey). 

Culocdir. 

Bali  Idubgiurim. 


340  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

Leasswaribin. 

Baliisoder. 

riuain  Crectain. 

Cluain  Ichadin  in  Taballgort. 

Iglassain  (in  the  first  fruits,  see  year  1484,  Dromin  is 
called  Dromin  O'Glizin.  Evidently  this  townland  is  Dromin  ; 
it  was  also  cabled  Dromin  O'Cleryn). 

The  grange  of  Coracoimgillain. 

Bali  Icarrig. 

Bali  leda. 

Bali  Ichunin. 

Bali  Ibrrenain. 

Bali  Isatchill  from  the  marsh  on  the  east  of  the  grange 
car  the  river  on  each  side  to  the  ford  of  Denndirg. 

Onruadmon  Icarrig  to  Gortnaren  Ifedomair  (Fedamore) 

The  grange  of  Naglochmib. 

Bah  Idub. 

Leasconmaig. 

Leasciarmocan. 

Bali  Idelgussa. 

IMagnahengi  from  the  ford  of  Scivil  towards  the  east 
tvith  the  whole  marsh  to  Kilkillin  and  Kealkillin  itself. 

The  grange  of  Cathircormi. 

Salcuarain, 

Bali  Ichudin. 

Bali  Inacalligi  from  the  ford  of  Crether  to  Crangulligin  to- 
]Makelkellan  and  the  ford  of  Seagain  ag. 

The  grange  of  Locgeir  (Loughgur). 

A  moiety  of  Dungeir  (fort  at  Loughgur). 

The  island  which  belongs  to  the  ville  of  Locgeir. 

Finnen. 

Corthascin. 

Clughur  (Clogher): 

Cromcon. 

The  mill  of  Almarain  with  its  land  of  Arddarigan  Greal 
Laochilonbegan  to  Catercurrith. 

Rathean. 

Liamm, 


MEDIEVAL   RELIGIOUS    FOUNDATIONS.  34I 

Cathirflenn. 

Magdorach. 

The  grange  in  Camuis  (Camus). 

Ceallseanig'. 

Bali  Ichearbain. 

Bali  Ilemi. 

Bali  [cunin. 

Conacad. 

Ceallconill  with  its  appurtenances  in  length  and  breadth 
to  Tullachbracci.     Brug  (Bruff). 

Cathircuaini  and  Chillconill  aforesaid. 

The  grange  of  Intlevi. 

Ceallcrumtirlapan  (to  the  north  of  Bruff). 

Cuillean  in  Corbal'. 

Bali  Imelinnan. 

Cuthicathil. 

Cealcodigi. 

Cealladleach,  in  Rapalch  (Glenroe  district). 

Cellpian. 

Lathrachlami. 

Bali  Igerridir  with  its  appurtenances,  to  wit,  from  the 
river  Gleannoneolain,  where  it  enters  Isinbecthig,  to 
Imeleachdregingi  (Emly  Grennan),  and  so  to  Cillnarath  as 
Samir  (Morning  Star)  runs  from  it,  to  wit,  Tulachmin,  and 
hence  to  the  river  Darachmuchua  (Darragh),  and  the  court 
of  the  monks  of  Limerick  with  its  appurtenances  to  wit, 
Bearninnalith. 

This  vast  estate  extended  from  the  monastery  to 
Loughgur  and  southward  by  Knockainey,  and  as  far  as 
Darragh,  embracing  some  of  the  fairest  portions  of  the 
Golden  Vale.  The  monks  did  not  long  enjoy  peaceable 
possession  of  their  grant,  as  the  richness  of  the  soil  no 
doubt  excited  the  cupidity  of  some  of  the  foreign  adven- 
turers, who  were  ever  ready  with  a  plausable  excuse  to 
justify  their  actions. 

1  Evidently  this  is  the  Cahercuan  where  Brian  Born  slew  Donovan, 
King  of  Hy  Fidhgente,  and  was  near  Bruff. 


342  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

In  1227,  the  king  had  to  intervene  on  behalf  of  the 
monks,  by  granting  protection  to  the  abbot,  his  tenants, 
chattels,  possessions,  and  had  to  instruct  the  justiciary 
to  vindicate  the  rights  of  their  church  which  were 
dispersed. 

1229.1  A  few  years  later,  a  protracted  lawsuit  com- 
menced between  Maurice  of  London,  as  plaintiff, 
and  the  monastery,  touching  two  knights'  fees  in 
Glenogra. 

In  1234,  i-  was  to  be  tried  at  the  King's  Court  in  Lime- 
rick, but  the  abbot  obtained  a  respite  as  the  dispute  was 
referred  to  the  Cistercian  Chapter  ;  and  here  the  lands 
are  referred  to  as  Ballihoder,  Enaghculy,  Culether, 
Kalmarkan,  and  Granginhava. 

1239.  When  Adam  was  appointed  abbot,  he  com- 
plained to  the  king  that  Maurice  of  London  in  the  first 
instance  proceeded  against  William,  formerly  abbot, 
who  retired  from  the  Abbey,  secondly  against  his  suc- 
cessor, Donatus,  who  was  deposed,  and  pressed  his  suit 
during  the  vacancy  that  occurred  while  these  changes 
were  taking  place,  when  there  was  no  one  to  answer  the 
plea,  and  thereby  sought  to  inflict  serious  injury  on  the 
community. 

The  king  took  a  favourable  view  of  the  case,  and 
ordered  the  justiciary  not  to  allow  the  Abbey  to  suffer 
under  the  circumstances. 

About  1260,2  the  abbot  and  community  granted  to 
to  the  bishop  and  chapter  of  the  diocese  certain  lands 
called  Fearna  Managh,  near  the  White  Stone  Cross  in  the 
city,  in  exchange  for  the  townland  of  Ballioshoidir,  which 
was  near  the  Abbey.  The  bishop  added  the  newl}^- 
acquired  land  to  the  prebend  of  Dysert. 

About  the  same  time,  the  abbot  also  granted  to  David 
Long  3  a  certain  portion  of  land  which  lay  within  the  walls 

1  See  5.  C. -D. /.  2  Und.  ^Ibid. 


MEDIEVAL   RELIGIOUS   FOUNDATIONS.  343 

of  the  city,  and  extended  in  length  from  Palmanath- 
street  to  the  wall  of  the  city,  and  in  breadth  from  the  nuns' 
land  on  the  one  side  to  that  of  Wilham  le  Parmet  on  the 
other.  He  also  received  another  portion  from  them,  ex 
tending  in  length  from  the  New  Gate  beside  the  arch  of 
the  Friars  Minor  to  the  nuns'  land. 

1261.  Thomas  O'Malley  was  abbot. 

1295.  Adam  de  Dermogo  was  appointed  abbot.  It 
would  appear  that  in  the  latter  part  of  this  century  some 
of  the  English  settlers  joined  the  community  and  were 
introducing  the  English  language  among  them,  which  was 
not  at  all  relished.  As  a  means  of  preventing  such  an 
innovation,  the  superiors  alienated  some  of  the  Abbey 
property,  chiefly  to  maintain  a  hatred  of  the  English 
language  lest  the  English  monks  should  remain. 

1302.  Tliis  mode  of  procedure  led  to  financial 
embarrassment,  as  the  abbot  had  to  petition  Edward  I 
to  grant  him  terms  for  the  payment  of  /209  6s.  8d.,  due  by 
the  monastery  to  Gerard  Gymbard  and  other  members 
of  the  Richardi  Company  of  Luca,  which  was  exacted 
from  the  monastery  because  the  chattels  of  this  com- 
pany were  taken  into  the  king's  hands. 

The  king  graciously  granted  the  request,  and  gave 
instructions  that  the  community  should  receive  favour- 
able terms,  owing  to  the  poverty  of  the  house. 

1304.  Isac,  abbot,  granted  John  Bathe  the  grange  of 
Grangenaw  for  the  term  of  thirty  years,  paying  annually 
40  crannocks  of  bread  corn,  20  of  peas  and  beans,  20  of 
oats,  all  properly  cleaned  and  winnowed,  and  also  that 
he  shall  pay  suit  and  service  at  the  Court  of  Mage,  and  if 
amerced  it  should  not  exceed  6d. 

Wilham,  the  abbot  in  1307,  granted  to  Robert,  bishop 
of  the  diocese,  all  the  land  which  Laurence  O'Lenyk  held 
in  Camysbeg  for  the  term  of  29  years  at  a  rent  of  50s. 

1313.  The  system  of  alienating  the  property  was  still 
carried  on.  as  John   the  abbot  petitioned  the    king  for 


^ 


SCRLE     or  FEET 


PLAN    OF   MONASTERANENAGH   ABBEY. 

A     TTmir  Chaiiels  D,  Four  Piers  of  Belfry.  H,  West  Door. 

ii  Sed  for  Cantillon  Vault.       E,  Arch  (Norman  Transit  ion).     I.   Fire-place. 
|*'J^;Squint"inLaterWall.       F.  La  er  Screen  ^^ all.  ^^ISn'wall.  ^ 

'''  A™  Walls  in  Black ;  Later.^ShS    Foundations.  Outlines.  [face  page  345. 


MEDIEVAL   RELIGIOUS    FOUNDATIONS.  345 

The  dress  of  the  monks  consisted  of  tunics  of  undyed 
wool,  with  cowls.  They  wore  neither  linen  nor  fur  gar- 
ments, and  were  known  as  white  monks.  They  observed 
a  rigorous  silence,  slept  on  beds  of  straw,  rose  before  day- 
light, and  devoted  themselves  to  prayer,  study,  tran- 
scribing books,  tending  the  infirm,  and  to  labour  in  con- 
nection with  the  cultivation  of  corn,  vegetables,  especi- 
ally pulse,  on  which  they  lived,  as  animal  food  was  strictly 
forbidden  by  the  rule. 

It  was  specially  laid  down  that  each  monastery  should 
be  so  situated  as  to  include  within  its  precincts  water, 
mill,  garden,  and  everything  required  for  the  subsistence 
of  the  monks.  The  situation  of  this  Abbey  fulfils  all 
these  conditions. 

The  ruins  of  the  church  and  chapter  house  are  the 
only  parts  of  the  Abbey  now  remaining,  but  as  the  Cis- 
tercian monasteries  were  modelled  on  the  plan  of  the 
mother  house,  it  is  easy  to  reconstruct  the  missing 
portions,  as  the  foundations  are  partly  visible. 

The  church  consisted  of  a  nave,  ritual  choir,  where 
the  monks  used  to  chant  their  office,  a  chancel,  and  two 
side  aisles. 

The  nave  was  90  feet  by  27  feet,  and  appears  to  be 
the  oldest  part  of  the  building  still  preserving  the 
characteristics  of  the  Irish  Romanesque  style  of  archi- 
tecture, which  was  developed  in  Ireland  before 
the  coming  of  the  Normans.  In  the  western 
gable  there  was  a  doorway,  now  defaced,  and  high 
up  the  wall  two  round-headed  windows.  The  choir 
was  54  feet  long  and  was  separated  by  a  screen  wall 
from  the  nave,  which  had  a  trefoil-headed  window  and 
a  low  doorway.  The  belfry  tower  was  between  the  choir 
and  chancel— it  fell  in  1806.  The  chancel  was  27  feet 
square,  and  lit  by  a  beautiful  three-lighted  window,  which 
fell  in  1874.  There  were  two  side  aisles  to  the  church, 
which  have  disappeared,  but  the  arches  remain  and  are 


34^  DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 

much  admired  as  specimens  of  Irish  masonry  before  the 
coming  of  the  Enghsh.  The  chapter  house  is  an  oblong 
building,  with  a  three-lighted  window  facing  the  east,  the 
the  side  lights  of  which  were  closed,  and  a  small  cross- 
barred  window  of  the  fifteenth-century  style  inserted  in 
the  middle.  The  other  parts  of  the  building  can  be  seen 
in  the  subjoined  plan. 

There  is  the  remains  of  a  detached  building  standing 
near  the  river,  which  was  probably  the  guest-house,  as 
that  building  usually  stood  apart  from  the  Abbey. 

Ahheyfeale. 

The  Cistercians  had  another  monastery  in  the  diocese 
at  Abbeyfeale,  which  was  founded  by  one  of  the  O'Briens 
in  1188.  It  afterwards  became  a  cell  to  Monasterane- 
nagh.  There  is  nothing  known  about  its  history,  except 
a  few  vague  references  to  its  possessions  in  the  Fiants. 

The  Abbey  was  situated  where  the  present  graveyard 
is,  and  as  late  as  the  beginning  of  last  century,  the 
foundations  of  some  of  the  buildings  could  be  traced. 

The  Dominicans. 
St.  Saviour's,  Limerick. 

The  Dominican  fathers  were  introduced  into  Limerick 
by  Donough  Cairbreagh  O'Brien,  son  of  Donald,  last  Irish 
king  of  the  city,  in  the  year  1227.  They  settled  down  near 
King  John's  Castle,  in  the  place  now  occupied  by  the 
convent  of  the  Sisters  of  Mercy,  where  a  portion  of  the  old 
monastery  still  remains.  The  new  foundation  was 
dedicated  to  St.  Saviour,  and  soon  became  an  important 
house  of  the  Order,  as  Provincial  Chapters  were  held  there 
in  the  years  1279,  1294,  and  1310. 

1285.1     Soon  after  Edward  I  became  king  he  granted 
to  the  Dominicans  of  Dublin,  Cork,  Waterford,  Limerick 
and  Drogheda  25  marcs  a  year  at  the  Exchequer,  Dublin^ 
IS.  c.  D.  I. 


MEDIEVAL    RELIGIOUS    FOUNDATIONS. 


347 


and  for  the  affection  he  bears  to  the  friars  of  Limerick, 
which  house  was  founded  by  his  ancestors,  wishes  him- 
self to  increase  this  grace  to  tliem  and  to  tlie  friars  above 
mentioned.  He  therefore  grants  to  the  use  of  the  friars 
of  Limerick  lo  marcs  a  year  beyond  the  25  marcs  afore- 
said to  be  paid  at  tlie  Exchequer,  Dubhn. 

This  grant   would  seem    to    convey    that    Edward's 
ancestors,  and  not  O'Brien,  were  the  founders.     The  two 


DOMINICAN    PRIORY,    LIMERICK. 


statements  may  be  reconciled  by  supposing  that  the  land 
on  which  the  monastery  was  erected  by  O'Brien  was 
granted  by  the  Crown.  Moreover,  the  word  foundation 
in  such  circumstances  has  a  wide  signification.  Great 
efforts  were  made  by  the  citizens  to  repair  the  injuries 
that  the  men  of  Thomond  inflicted  on  the  city  in  1369. 
To  further  this  laudable  enterprise  the  corporation  pur- 
chased from  the  Dominicans  ash  trees,  but  delayed 
payment  so  long  that  a  liberate  had  to  be  issued  for 
/17  i8s.  8d.,  arrears  due  to  them. 


348  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

A  few  years  later  that  august  body  received  from 
Edward  III  a  grant  of  Moyneter  Corbally  as  a  help  to 
put  the  fortifications  of  the  city  in  proper  repair.  Al- 
though the  Dominican  convent  was  situated  close  to 
the  city  walls,  forming  almost  a  part  of  the  fortifications 
and  almost  in  ruins,  the  corporation  refused  to  allow 
them  any  of  the  grant.  The  friars,  however,  petitioned 
Parliament,  with  the  result  that  Edward  III,  in  1377, 
issued  a  mandate  to  the  mayor  and  bailiffs  of  the  city, 
commanding  them  to  pay  40s.  yearly  out  of  the  said 
grant  to  the  friars. 

In  1399  they  received  a  grant  of  30  marcs  annually. 

In  1504  this  house  adopted  the  regular  observance, 
and  in  1509,  together  with  the  communities  of  Youghal, 
Cork  and  Coleraine,  was  formed  into  a  "  Congregation  of 
Regular  Observance." 

When  it  was  suppressed  in  1541  Father  Edmond, 
the  superior,  was  found  in  possession  of  a  church,  steeple  > 
dormitory,  three  chambers,  a  cemetery,  and  sundry 
closes,  containing  one  acre  and  a  half.  It  had  also  in 
its  possession  St.  Thomas's  Island,  the  fishery  of  the 
salmon  weir,  Monabrahir  (now  the  low-lying  land  be- 
tween the  Long  Pavement  and  Parteen)  and  Courtbrack. 
There  was  taken  from  the  convent  by  the  Government 
officials,  three  reliquaries  weighing  10  ounces,  with  several 
stones  the  value  of  which  the  Commissioners  were  unable 
to  tell,  four  stones  of  crystal  bound  with  silver  weighing 
10  ounces,  four-score  pound  weight  of  wax,  being  in  said 
church,  and  iron  to  the  sum  of  twenty  stone  and  above. 

In  1543  "the  most  part  of  the  possessions  of  the  mon- 
astery, together  with  the  house  itself,  was  granted  to 
James,  Earl  of  Desmond. 

1586.  Peyton,  in  his  survey  of  the  escheated  lands  of 
Garret  the  last  Earl,  includes  this  monastery  among  them, 
and  has  the  following  reference  to  it  : — 

The  site  of  the  late  monastery  of  Dounoho  Carbry,  other- 


MEDIEVAL    RELIGIOUS    FOUNDATIONS.  349 

wise  called  Monastery  Woghtro  (high  or  upper),  with  certain 
gardens,  orchards,  near  the  King's  Island,  value  22s.,  were 
lately  in  the  possession  of  John  Commin,  Merchant. 

There  is  one  parcel  of  land  belonging  to  this  abbey 
called  Courtbrack  (now  that  part  of  the  city  extending 
from  the  church  of  the  Redemptorists  to  the  present 
race-coursed,  which  was  given  to  the  monastery  by  the 
Earl  of  Desmond,  and  the  said  parcel  is  charged  among 
the  earl's  lands,  which  was  always  in  the  possession  of 
the  monastery  and  never  severed  from  it.  These  were 
finally  granted  to  the  corporation.  The  monastery 
became  a  favourite  burial-place  for  many  distinguished 
families  and  individuals  in  bygone  times.  The  statue 
and  tomb  of  the  founder  Donough  O'Brien,  were  pre- 
served in  Ware's  time,  but  have  since  totally  disappeared. 
A  copy  of  the  epitaph  is  still  in  existence,  viz  : — 

Here  lies  Donogh  Carbreagh  O'Brien,  a  valiant  leader  in 
arms,  Prince  of  Thomond,  made  a  knight  by  the  King  of 
England,  who  built  the  church  of  the  Friars  of  the  Order 
of  Preachers,  who  died  the  eighth  day  of  March,  1241.  On 
whose  soul  may  the  Lord  have  mercy.  Amen.  Let  each 
one  devoutly  say  a  Pater  and  Ave. 

There  were  also  eight  bishops  interred  there,  namely 
Hubert  de  Burgo,  Bishop  of  Limerick  in  1250  ;  Donald^ 
O' Kennedy,  Bishop  of  Killaloe  in  1252  ;  Christian,  Bishop 
of  Kilfenora  in  1254  J  Matthew  O'Hogan,  Bishop  of 
Killaloe  in  1281  ;  Simon  O'Currin,  Bishop  of  Kilfenora  in 
1303  ;  Maurice  O'Brien,  Bishop  of  Kilfenora  in  1321  ; 
Maurice  O'Grady,  Archbishop  of  Cashel  in  1345  ;  Matthew 
Magrath,  Bishop  of  Kilfenora  in  1391.  Six  of  these 
prelates  are  commemorated  in  the  following  Latin  verses 
which  was  formerly  inscribed  on  their  sepulchral  vault  : — 
'    ^        Senos  pontifices  in  se  locus  claudit  iste 

Illis  multiphces,  Te  posco,  praemia  Christe 
Omnes  hi  fuerant  Fratrum  Laris  hujus  amici  ; 
Hubertus  de  Burgo,  praesul  quondam  Limerici 


350  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

Donaldus   Mattheus,   pastores   Laonenses ; 
Christianus  Mauritius,  Simon  quoque  Fenaborenses 
Ergo  benigne  Pater,  locus  hos  non  Comprimat  ater. 
Qui  legas  ista  Pater  dicas  et  Ave  reboa  ter 
Centum  namque  dies  quisque  rogitando  meretur 
Detur  ut  his  requies  si  pura  mente  precetur. 
Qui  legis  hos  versus  ad  te  quandoque  reversus 
Quid  sis  et  quid  eris  animo  vigih  mediteris 
Si  minor  his  fueris  seu  major  eorumve  sodahs 
Tandem  pulvis  eris  nee  falht  regula  tahs. 

Translated  by  Harris,  thus  : — 

Six  prelates  here  do  lie,  and  in  their  favour 
I  beg  your  friendly  prayers  to  Christ  our  Saviour, 
Who  in  their  lifetime  for  this  House  did  work  ; 
The  first  of  whom  I  name  was  Herbert  Burke 
Who  graced  the  See  of  Limerick,  and  Matthew 
With  Donlad,  Bishops  both  of  Killaloe  ; 
Christian  and  Maurice   I   should  name  before, 
And  Simon,  Bishops  late  of  Fenabore  ; 
Therefore,  kind  Father,  let  not  any  soul 
Of  these  good  men  be  lodged  in  the  Black  hole. 
You  who  read  this,  kneel  down  in  humble  posture, 
Bellow  three  Aves,  say  one  Pater  Nosier. 
Whoever  for  their  souls  sincerely  prays 
Merits  indulgence  for  an  hundred  days  ; 
And  you  who  read  the  verses  on  this  stone, 
Bethink  yourself  and  make  the  case  your  own. 
Then  seriously  reflect  on  what  you  see, 
And  think  what  you  are  now  and  what  you'll  be — 
Whether  you're  greater,  equal,  less,  you  must 
As  well  as  these,  be  crumbled  into  dust. 

In  this  inscription  there  is  no  mention  made  of  the 
last  two  prelates,  from  which  it  may  be  inferred  that  it 
was  composed  before  their  death. 

Many  of  the  citizens  were  benefactors  to  the  monas- 
tery, notably  Martin  Arthur,  who  built  a  splendid  peri- 


MEDIEVAL   RELIGIOUS    FOUNDATIONS. 


351 


style  of  marble  to  the  church,  and  when  dying  in  1376 
ordered  his  body  to  be  buried  in  that  church.  His  will 
is  still  extant,  and  gives  us  a  peep  into  the  times  in  which 

he  lived,  as  it  contains  many  curious  bequests,  viz.  : 

In  the  name  of  God,  I,  the  aforesaid  Martin,  bequeath 
my  soul  to  God,  the  Blessed  Virgin,  and  all  the  Saints,  my 
body  to  be  buried  in  the  church  of  the  Preaching  Friars  in 
Limerick.  I  also  bequeath  to  the  Cathedral  of  St.  Mary. 
Limerick,  for  forgotten  tithes,  marcs 
Also  the  Preaching  Friars 
For  the  friar's  habit  to  be  put  on  him. 
To  the  Friars  Minor  (Franciscans) 
To  the  vicars  of  the  church  of  St.  Mary 
To  the  church  of  the  Holy  Cross 
To^the  vicar  of  St.  Nicholas 
To  the  repair  of  St.  Munchin's 
To  the  church  of  St.  Peter 
To^the  church  of  St.  Michael 
To  the  church  of  St.  John  the  Baptist 
To  the  church  of  St.  Lawrence 
To  the  church  of  St.  Patrick 
To  Serah  Wingaine 
To  Mr.  John  Lawless 
To  Mr.  John  White,  chaplain 
To  Mariota  Mylys 
To  John  Sale,  monk 
To  Friar  Maurice  O'Cormacaine 
To  Friar  Simon  Modin  . 
To  Preaching  Friars  to  pray  for  his  soul 
To  Nurse  Johanna 

According  to  the  Elizabethan  map  of  the  city  this 
monastery  had  a  lofty  belfry  and  four  ranges  of  buildings 
in  good  repair. 

In  1586  the  buildings  and  grounds  passed  to  the 
corporation,    who    leased  them  to    tenants.     However  1 


.       20 

0 

I 

8 

lalf   marc 

. .     10 

0 

2 

0 

••       3 

4 

2 

0 

4 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

half  marc 

••       3 

4 

2 

0 

2 

0 

..       8 

0 

1  White's  MS. 


352  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

we  are  informed  that  Pope  Innocent  X,  in  1644,  con- 
verted this  house  into  a  university.  In  1679  the  Govern- 
ment took  a  lease  ol  a  portion  of  the  grounds  for  100 
years,  and  built  a  barrack  there  capable  of  containing 
800  soldiers.  When  the  mihtary  left  in  1779  it  was 
turned  into  a  brewery,  and  about  the  same  time  a  tan- 
yard  was  built  on  another  part  of  the  grounds.  Once 
again  it  has  become  the  home  of  a  community  of  nuns 
who  guard  with  loving  care  the  crumbling  ruins  of  old 
St.  Saviour's,  which  was  so  much  favoured  by  kings  and 
princes  in  the  hey-day  of  its  glory. 

A  portion  of  the  belfry  and  one  long  high  wall  of  the 
church,  pierced  with  lancet  windows,  are  all  that  remain 
of  the  ancient  buildings.  The  debris  of  stonework  and 
tracery  that  are  gathered  near  this  wall  formed  no  part 
of  the  monastery,  but  were  collected  from  old  buildings 
in  various  parts  of  the  city  and  were  placed  here  for 
safety. 

Sixmilehridge.  ^ 

At  Sixmilehridge,  County  Clare,  there  was  a  chapel 
belonging  to  the  Dominicans  of  Limerick,  but  was  not 
kept  in  repair  or  inhabited  since  the  commencement  of 
the  war  in  1641.  De  Burgo^  visited  the  place  in  I754, 
and  could  find  no  trace  of  chapel. 

Kilmallock. 

The  Dominican  priory  of  Kilmallock  was  founded  in 
1 291,  by  some  friars  of  the  Order,  who  received  a  plot 
of  land  from  a  burgess  of  that  town. 

The  Bishop  of  the  Diocese,  being  the  feudal  lord  of 
Kilmallock,  gave  orders  to  have  the  friars  ejected,  as 
they  did  not  obtain  his  permission.  Being  unwilling  to 
leave,    they    were    forcibly    ejected   by   the    clerks    and 

^  See  O'Heyne's /ris/j  Dominicans,  by  Coleman,  p.    121. 
*  Vid.  Hib.Doin.  p.  213. 


MEDIEVAL    RELIGIOUS    FOUNDATIONS. 


35: 


servants  of  his  Lordship.  The  friars  resented  this  harsh 
treatment,  and  appealed  to  the  king  for  a  redress  of  their 
grievances.  Tlie  king  wrote  on  the  3rd  of  October,  1291, 
to  Wilham  de  Vesey,  Justiciary  of  Ireland,  commanding 
him  to  enquire  by  the  oaths  of  twelve  men  of  Kilmallock 
and  that  neighbourhood,  by  whom  and  by  whose  autho- 
rity the  friars  had  been  expelled  ;  whether  the  land  owes 


DOMINICAN    PRIORY,    KILMALLOCK. 

any  rent  or  service  to  the  lord  of  the  fee  or  any  other 
person. 

The  inquisition!  was  taken  at  Cashel,  December  31st, 
1291,  by  the  following  jurors,  Henry  Bayard,  Ralph 
Picard,  Walter  Housse,  Richard  Mereston,  William 
Bromfeld,  Adam  Fitzjohn,  Robert  le  Flemeng,  Wihiam 


1  See  S.C.D.I.  The  names  of  Henry  Bayard,  Ralph  Ricard, 
Walter  Housse,  WilUam  Long,  occur  also  in  the  undated  grant 
of  house  property  to  the  cathedral  in  the  Black  Book  already 
referred  to,  which  goes  to  show  they  were  the  same  persons,  and 
would  fix  the  date  of  these  documents  at  least  from  1280  to  1300. 


354  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

Long  Burgesses,  Thomas  de  Berkeley,  William  the 
Lyie,  Walter  Kemeys,  John  Mor,  David  Mutun, 
John  Laurence,  Hugh  Cran,  Simon  the  Wyta,  who 
say  upon  their  oath  that  the  friars  by  the  grant  of 
the  king,  as  far  as  he  could  grant,  purchased  a  piece  of 
land  from  John  Bluet,  senior  burgess  of  Kilmallock, 
and  remained  in  possession  of  it  for  seven  weeks,  when 
they  were  ejected  therefrom  and  their  houses  levelled  by 
Reymond  Dran,  Robert  Blund,  Archdeacon,  and  Simon 
Fitzjohn,  Canon  of  Limerick,  Thomas  Ketying,  Walter 
de  Caherhussoc,  Walter  de  la  Roche,  Chaplain,  William 
Leynach,  Chaplain,  Gregory,  Chaplain,  Roger  Young, 
Chaplain,  Walter  Cooke,  Seneschal  of  the  Bishop  of 
Limerick,  John  Dullard,  John  Caher,  Geoffrey  de  Caher, 
Richard  le  Blund,  cousin  of  the  Archdeacon  aforesaid, 
Alan  Gyllefides,  Raymund  le  Croutur,  cousin  of  the 
Dean  aforesaid,  Henry  Baggheboscher,  and  Geoffrey 
the  Doctor.  They  further  state  that  this  piece  of  land 
owes  no  rent  or  service  to  the  bishop  as  lord  of  the  fee, 
and  that  the  residence  there  of  the  friars  would  not 
tend  to  the  prejudice  of  the  king,  the  lord  of  the  fee,  or 
any  other  person. 

The  records  of  this  house  are  practically  nil  up  to 
the  Reformation,  except  the  following. 

1318.  William,  Bishop  of  Emly,  was  accused  of 
taking  a  box  of  silver  out  of  the  church  of  the  Friars 
Preachers,  Kilmallock. 

1340.  A  Provincial  Chapter  was  held  here.  After 
the  dissolution,  this  monastery  was  leased  by  the  Crown 
to  James  Earl  of  Desmond,  and  in  1594  it  was  granted 
to  John  Miagh,  Sovereign,  the  brethren  and  commonalty 
of  Kilmallock  for  ever  in  free  soccage  at  the  annual  rent 
of  35  shillings  and  8  pence  Irish  money. 

The  ruins  of  this  beautiful  and  extensive  Priory  are 
situated  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Loobagh,  to  the  north 
of  the  town.     It    was  subdivided   into    a    church   and 


MEDIEVAL   RELIGIOUS    FOUNDATIONS.  355 

convent.  The  former  was  divided  into  chancel,  nave, 
and  transepts  ;  a  lofty  tower  stands  at  the  intersection  of 
these  parts.  The  chancel  has  a  five-light  east  window, 
which  is  much  admired  as  a  specimen  of  the  chaste  and 
elegant  style  of  Gothic  architecture  ;  in  the  south  wall 
there  are  six  lancet  windows,  and  in  the  interior  a  cano- 
pied tomb.  The  nave  and  other  parts  of  the  building 
.  though  much  injured,  still  retain  the  outline  of  the 
original.  It  is  well  worth  visiting,  as  the  ruins  are  con- 
sidered by  competent  authority  to  excel  in  decoration 
and  sculpture. 

Ballinegaul. 

Ballinegaul,  about  seven  miles  south-east  of  Kil- 
mallock,  is  generally  considered  to  have  been  a  Domi- 
nican Priory.  However,  in  the  State  Papers  of  Edward 
VI  (1551-2)  it  is  described  as  the  monastery  of  the 
White  Friars  of  Ballinegaul,  County  Limerick,  thereby 
implying  that  it  was  a  Carmelite  foundation,  as  White 
Friars  was  their  usual  designation.  In  Peyton's  Survey 
of  1586  it  is  called  the  residence  of  the  Braher  duffe  alias 
the  Black  Friars  in  Ballinegaul.  According  to  this 
authority  the  site  of  the  various  buildings,  which  were 
entirely  ruined,  with  certain  gardens  was  estimated  at 
half  an  acre  ;  the  other  possessions  in  the  vicinity 
amounted  to  a  half  quarter  and  two  acres.  "  The  town 
and  lands  of  Ballinegaul  and  the  said  house  of  fryers 
doe  all  lye  waste." 

The  Franciscans. 

The  Franciscan  monastery  i  in  the  city  of  Limerick 
is  considered  to  have  been  founded  in  the  year  1260,  as 
it  is  enumerated  among  the  convents  of  the  custody  of 

1  History  of  the  Franciscans,  by  Rev.  Hugh  Ward.  See  Duffy's  Irish 
Catholic  Magazine,  Vol.  i.,  p.  72,  April,   1877. 


356  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

Cork  erected  in  the  General  Chapter  of  Norbonne  held 
that  year.  The  foundation  is  generally  attributed  to 
WilHam  De  Burgo,  who  was  married  to  Ania  daughter  of 
Donald  O'Brien,  last  King  of  Limerick.  It  became  a 
favourite  burial-place  for  some  of  the  Anglo-Norman 
families,  notably  the  De  Burgos  and  the  De  Clares. 

In  1293  the  friars  of  this  house  received  a  pension  of 
35  marcs  from  Edward  I.  There  is  no  record  relating  to 
this  monastery  until  1376,  when  they  were  engaged  in 
a  dispute  with  Peter  Creagh,  Bishop  of  the  Diocese,  the 
history  of  which  has  been  given  already. 

In  1534  it  was  reformed  by  the  Observantines. 

In  1539,  3-t  the  suppression,  it  was  found  to  contain 
within  its  precincts,  a  church,  dormitory,  cloister,  hall,, 
kitchen,  three  chambers,  a  garden  of  one  acre  of  small 
measure,  with  ten  messuages,  and  ten  gardens  in  and 
near  the  site  and  precincts  with  their  appurtenances^ 
was  estimated  at  the  yearly  value  of  43s.  2d.  It  was  also 
found  that  Donough  the  last  Guardian  and  the  friars 
voluntarily  left  the   premises. 

In  1544  the  tithes  of  this  house  were  granted  to  Lord 
Baron  of  Castleconnell,  and  the  Friary  to  Edmond  Sexton 
for  ever  at  2S.  2d.  sterling.  The  monastery  was  situated 
outside  the  walls  in  that  locality  now  known  as  the  Abbey 
and  near  the  river. 

Father  Mooney,  who  made  a  tour  of  inspection  of  the 
Franciscan  monasteries  of  Ireland  in  the  year  1615  thus 
describes  it  : — 

The  site  was  delightful  lying  to  the  south  of  the  Domini 
can  house  and  north  of  the  Holy  Cross,  and  it  had  extensive 
(jrchards  and  gardens.  The  walls  were  still  standing  though 
unroofed,  and  were  of  poor  masonry,  but  the  ruins  were 
spacious.  Its  founder  was  the  Baron  of  Castleconnell  or  one 
of  his  family,  and  it  was  the  burial-place  of  the  De  Burghos. 
A  Protestant  named  Sexton  held  it.     It  was  a  mere  refuse 


MEDIEVAL   RELIGIOUS    FOUNDATIONS.  357 

heap  and  used  for  a  tannery.  The  records  and  precious 
movables  were  lost,  but  a  few  of  its  friars  rented  a  house 
in  the  city. 

Friarstown. 

In  Friarstown,!  between  Limerick  and  Fedamore, 
there  was  a  Franciscan  monastery,  the  history  of  which 
is  unknown.  An  undated  Inquisition  taken  between 
1586  and  1590  informs  us  that  Gerald  Baluff  f.  Phihp, 
a  rebel,  held  the  house  of  St.  Francis  de  Ballynabrahrair 
in  Twoh-Oreyn  in  the  parish  of  Caheravally.  The  mon- 
astic buildings  have  long  since  disappeared,  but  the  church 
is  in  a  fair  state  of  preservation,  measuring  81J-  feet  in 
length  and  19  feet  wide  to  the  south.  There  is  a  projecting 
wing  29  feet  by  17  feet  4  inches 

Askcaton. 

The  Franciscan  monastery  of  Askeaton,  according 
to  Wadding,  was  founded  by  one  of  the  Earls  of  Desmond 
in  the  year  1389.  The  Four  Masters  and  Ware,  however, 
place  the  foundation  as  late  as  1420,  which  may  be  recon- 
ciled with  the  above  if  we  place  the  coming  of  the  friars 
at  1389,  and  the  completion  of  the  buildings  at  1420. 
The  founder  built  a  tomb  in  the  church  for  himself  and 
family  which  was  smashed  in  pieces  by  Malby  in  1579. 
The  MacMahons  of  Corcovaskin,  and  other  families  of 
note  made  this  church  their  burial  place.  It  was  re- 
formed to  the  strict  observance  in  1497,  and  was  handed 
over  to  them  in  1513  by  the  Provincial,  Patrick  Healy. 

In  1541  a  court  was  held  in  the  Chapter  House  of  this 
convent  before  Maurice,  Official  General  of  the  Diocese 
of  Limerick,  and  Hugh  Lees,  Canon  of  St.  Mary's  Cathe- 
dral, in  the  presence  of  John,  Bishop  of  the  Diocese,  at 
which  John,  son  of  Thomas,  son  of  Philip,  Knight  of 
Glin,  admitted  his  indebtedness  of  five  marcs  in  usual 

1  See  Westropp's  Survey  of  Churches,  Co.  Limerick. 


358  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

English  money  for  certain  lands  he  held  from  the  Bishop 
at  Cappagh,  Kilmaclwony.^  No  doubt  this  religious 
house  fell  under  the  bann  of  suppression  in  1539,  but 
owing  to  the  influence  of  the  Earls  of  Desmond,  the 
friars  were  allowed  to  remain  in  the  convent  until  1579. 
when  it  was  burned  down  by  Malby. 

According  to  Peyton's  Survey  in  1586  the  friars  held, 
with  the  convent  buildings,  a  certain  field  north  of  the 
convent  called  Clone  numrare,  or  the  friars'  land,  a  water 
mill  within  the  town  called  Mollin  beg,  near  the  Earl  of 
Desmond's  mill  ;  Corra  numar',  or  the  friars'  fishing  weir  ; 
they  were  also  entitled  to  tithes  of  fish  taken  in  the  earl's 
weir  near  the  bridge,  namely,  of  the  fish  taken  therefrom 
12  o'clock  on  Saturday  to  6  o'clock  on  Monday.  The 
ruins  of  the  abbey  consist  of  a  church  tiS^  feet  long  by 
23  feet  wide,  which  was  lighted  by  a  large  window  of  four 
shafts.  The  altar  still  remains,  but  devoid  of  ornament. 
High  up  in  the  chancel  wall  at  the  gospel  side  there  is 
the  figure  of  an  ecclesiastic  carved  in  stone  clad  in  vest- 
ments holding  in  his  left  hand  a  crozier  with  the  crook 
turned  out,  the  sign  of  jurisdiction,  and  the  right  hand 
raised  in  blessing.  Judging  from  the  round  shaped  mitre 
it  looks  like  the  effigy  of  a  Pope.  Further  down  at  the 
same  side  there  was  a  transept  running  north.  At  the 
epistle  side,  and  near  the  altar  on  the  chancel  wall,  there 
is  an  elaborate  monument  to  the  Stephenson  family,  now 
much  injured,  and  about  which  we  may  have  much  to  say 
at  some  future  time,  as  its  history  is  outside  the  scope 
of  this  work. 

The  cloister,  which  is  composed  of  a  beautiful  series 
of  arches,  forms  a  quadrangle,  measuring  51^  feet  square, 
and  is  the  most  pleasing  feature  of  the  building.  At  the 
north-east  end  of  the  cloister  there  is  a  statue  of  St. 
Francis  in  a  recess,  the  face  of  which  is  partly  worn  away 
by  the  kisses  of  devout  pilgrims.     The  Chapter-room  is 

1  See  B.B.L.,  p.  144, 


4  FRACMCr 


ORIGINAL 
ADDITIONS 

I'i    MODERN 

n    FOUNDATIONS 


PLAN    OF    ASKEATOX    ABBEY. 


(1    Sod  i  la.  Lr,  >aiMl    >  jluiL.  ',,„.,j ■„   f>or.oco 


C,  Sedilia 

D,  Passage. 


H,  Garderobes. 


L,  Reader's  Recess. 

[  face  page  358. 


MEDIEVAL   RELIGIOUS    FOUNDATIONS.  359 

in  a  good  state  of  preservation,  and  contains  a  tomb  of 
the  Nash  family. 

The  other  buildings  were  the  refectory  and  kitchen. 
The  upper  rooms  of  dormitory  are  in  a  very  dilapidated 
condition. 

The  Franciscan   Convent  of  -Adare. 
This  convent  i  was  founded  in  the  year  1464  by  Thomas 
Earl  of  Kildare,  and  his  wife  Johanna,  daughter  of  James 
Earl  of  Desmond,  who  built  the  church  and  fourth  part 
of  the  cloister  at  their  own  expense.     They  also  furnished 
the  windows  of  the  church  with  glass  and  presented  the 
bell  and  two  silver  chalices.     The  friars  took  possession 
of  the  convent  on  the  feast  of  All  Saints  the  same  year. 
The  church  was  dedicated  to  St.  Michael  the  Archangel, 
and  consecrated  on  his  feast  in  the  year  1466.       The 
other  parts  of  the  building  were  built  by  pious  laymen. 
The  bell  tower  was  erected  by  Cornelius   O'SuUivan,  a 
pious  and  devout  stranger  who  settled  among  them  ;  he 
also  presented  the  friars  with  a  beautiful  chalice  gilt  with 
gold.     Margaret    Fitzgibbon,    wife    of    Cunlaid    O'Dea, 
erected  the  great  chapel  ;  a  small  one  by  John  son  of  the 
Earl  of  Desmond  and  another  of  the  same  dimensions  by 
Leogh  de  Tulcostyn  and  Margaret  wife  of  Thomas  Fitz- 
maurice.     The  other  parts  of  the  buildings  were  com- 
pleted by  the  generosity  and  zeal  of  pious  donors,  viz., 
Donough  O'Brien  of  Ara  and  his  wife  built  the  dormitory  ; 
Rory  O'Dea  a  fourth  part  of  the  cloister  and  presented 
a  useful  silver  chalice  ;  Marianus  O'Hickey  erected  the 
refectory  and  wooden  panellings  at  the  north  side,  of  the 
choir,  and  later  on  entered  the  Order  and  died  in  this 
convent ;  Edmond  Thomas,  Knight  of  Glin  and  his  Hanora 
Gibbon,  erected    the    infirmary.     Johanna    O'Loughlin, 

^  See  Franciscan  Tertiary,  April,  1895  ;    "SleehiLn's  Franciscan  Monas- 
teries (Duffy  &  Co.)  ;  Memorials  of  Adare. 


360  DIOCESE   OF   LIMEKICK. 

widow  of  Fitzgibbon,  added  ten  feet  to  the  sanctuary, 
under  which  she  directed  a  burial-place  to  be  formed  for 
herself.  The  deaths  of  most  of  these  pious  benefactors 
are  given,  and  many  of  them  found  a  grave  within  the 
hallowed  precincts  of  the  convent. 

Mooney,  when  he  visited  Cork,  had  the  pleasure  of 
seeing  some  of  the  precious  possessions  of  this  convent* 
which  were  under  the  custody  of  Father  Thomas 
Geraldine,  and  consisted  of  a  ciborium  for  the  Blessed 
Sacrament  gilt  with  gold  and  of  good  workmanship  ;  a 
silver  processional  cross,  and  six  or  seven  chalices.  He 
also  saw  a  list  of  the  sacred  vestments  and  was  much 
surprised  at  'the  number  ;  but  all  these  had  perished 
under  the  decaying  hand  of  time. 

This  convent  was  inhabited  by  the  friars  as  late  as 
I579»  but  it  was  granted  in  1585  to  Wallop,  and  from  at 
least  that  time  ceased  to  be  a  Franciscan  convent.  When 
Mooney  visited  the  place  he  found  the  roof  fallen  in  but 
the  walls  standing  and  the  glass  uninjured  in  some  of 
the  windows.  The  ruins  of  the  convent  are  in  the 
demesne  of  the  Earl  of  Dunraven,  and  are  in  a  good  state 
of  preservation. 

Kilshane,   Ballingarry. 

Fitzgerald  of  Cleanglass  is  said  to  have  founded  a 
monastery  for  Conventual  Franciscans  at  Kilshane,  near 
the  village  of  Ballingarry,  but  the  date  is  unknown.  In 
White's  list  of  churches  it  is  mentioned  as  belonging  to 
the  Third  Order  of  St.  Francis.  This  house  has  been 
frequently  confounded  with  the  Cistercian  cell  of 
Kilshanny,  County  Clare,  perhaps  owing  to  the  simi- 
larity of  names.  From  an  inquisition  1  we  learn  that 
Gerot  Baluff  f.  Philip  held  "  the  patronage  of  the  religious 
house  of  St.  Francis  called  Kilshane,  with  a  water  mil] 

1  See  Westropp's  Survey  of  Ancient  Churches  of  Limerick. 


MEDIEVAL    RELIGIOUS    FOUNDATIONS.  361 

in  Ballingarry  and  a  part  of  Kilnemona  in  Clonkath  " 
when  he  joined  the  rebelHon  in  1584.  A  part  of  the  church 
and  tower  was  standing  in  1840,  but  the  ruins  are  now 
levelled  to  the  ground. 

The  Knights  Templars. 

This  Order  had  a  house  in  the  city,  but  where  it  was 
situated  is  not  exactly  known.  Lenihan  says  it  was  in 
Quay  Lane.  The  Order  was  suppressed  in  1307,  and 
their  lands  and  possessions  in  Ireland,  as  well  as  in 
other   countries,   handed   over   to   the   Hospitallers. 

According  to  the  return  made  at  the  time  of  the 
seizure,  the  property  of  the  Templars  in  Limerick  was 
valued  at  3s.  "  Lymer  civit,  De  bonis  Templariorum  3s. 
per  Robertum  de  Trim." 

Lewis's  Topographical  Dictionary  is  partly  respon- 
sible for  propagating  the  false  notion  that  many  of  the 
castles  in  the  county  were  built  by  the  Templars. 

The  Hospitallers. 

The  Hospitahers,  or  Knights  of  St.  John,  had  no 
house  in  the  Diocese  of  Limerick,  but  the  spittle  land 
mentioned  in  Adare  and  other  places  belonged  to  the 
Hospitallers'  house  of  Aney,  which  was  founded  by 
Geoffrey  de  Marisco  (1215-1226),  and  probably  endowed 
by  him  with  these  lands  in  Adare,  etc.,  as  he  was  lord 
of  that  manor  as  early  as  1226. 

The  following  grant  ^  made  to  Thomas  Browne,  Esq., 
1 6th  of  May,  second  year  James  I,  clears  up  the  point  : — 
"The  entire  Manor,  Lordship,  and  preceptory  or  Hospital 
of  Anye,  with  all  its  castles,  forts,  lands,  and  heredita- 
ments in  Ayne,  Ballinclogh,  Lymericke,  Kilmallock, 
Adare,  Croghe   alias  Croghee,  Burgage  Asketton,  Rath- 

1  Irish  Patent  Rolls  of  James  I,  by  Hatchel 


362  DIOCESE    OF    LIMERICK. 

keale,    Ardagh    Cashel,   Carrick,    etc.,   being   the    parcel 
of  the  temporal  estate  of  the  said  Hospital." 

Browne  also  got  the  following  rectories  and  chapels 
in  the  Diocese  of  Limerick,  as  part  of  the  possession  of 
said  Hospital,  viz,  : — Browe  or  Bruffe,  Rochestown, 
Adare,  Newtown  near  iVdare,  and  Rathronan. 

The  Trinitariaji  House,  Adare. 

In  the  year  1198  the  Trinitarian  Order  was 
founded  in  France,  by  John  de  Matha  and  Felix  de 
Valois  for  the  redemption  of  Christian  captives  from  the 
Saracens,  and  spread  rapidly  through  Europe.  It  is  not 
exactly  known  when  the  Adare  house  was  founded,  but 
it  may  be  inferred  from  the  fact  that  Geoffrey  de  Marisco 
in  the  year  1226  obtaining  a  grant  to  hold  a  fair 
at  Adare  during  the  eight  days  following  the  feast  of  St. 
James — the  patron  saint  of  this  house — that  it  was 
already  in  existence,  and  that  the  fair  was  held  on  the 
octave  of  the  feast  of  this  monastery  and  church. 

If  this  conjecture  be  correct  the  Trinitarians  must 
have  been  introduced  and  endowed  by  Geoffrey.  Bonaven- 
ture  Baron  ^  says  that  it  was  founded  in  the  year  123Q 
by  the  agency  of  Scotch  Trinitarian  fathers  of  Dunbar, 
the  chief  of  whom  was  John  Comyn,  Minister,  as  the 
head  of  the  house  was  styled,  in  the  Trinitarian  Oilder. 
Lopez,  a  Spanish  Trinitarian,  published  a  book  called 
Noticias  Historicas  del  Orden  de  la  Santissima  Trinidad 
redempcion  de  Cautivos  en  Inglaterra,  Escocia,  y  Hibernia. 
Madrid,  1714  ;  in  which  he  gives  a  very  full  account  of 
the  foundation  and  early  history  of  this  house.  This 
work  was  closely  examined  by  competent  critics,  and 
found  unreliable  in  most  of  its  statements  regarding 
Adare,  which  are  given  in  detail  in  the  Memorials  of 
Adare. 

'  History  of  Trinitarian  Order  in  Ireland. 


MEDIEVAL    RELIGIOUS    FOUNDATIONS.  363 

Turning  to  more  trustworthy  sources  we  find  the 
following  references  to  this  monastery  : — 

In  1292  the  king  commanded  the  chancellor  to  direct, 
under  the  Great  Seal,  the  sheriff  of  Limerick  to  enquire 
whether  it  would  be  to  the  king's  damage  to  grant  licence 
to  Adam  de  Leyns,  parson  of  the  Church  of  Allekagh 
(Atlilacca),  to  give  to  the  prior  and  convent  of  Adare 
two  carucates  in  Adare,  and  whether  those  religious 
might  take  and  appropriate  a  gift  of  three  marcates  of 
rent  in  the  same  vill.i  Though  the  name  of  the  monas- 
tery is  not  given,  it  must  necessarily  refer  to  it,  as  there 
was  no  other  foundation  at  Adare  at  this  early  date. 
In  the  taxation  of  1302  and  1306  it  is  mentioned  and 
taxed. 

1319.  Peter,  Minister  of  the  Order  of  Holy  Trinit}^ 
Adare,  with  three  monks,  John  Croyne,  John  Lees,  and 
Gilbert  de  Clare,  were  accused  of  seizing  the  goods  of 
tlie  Augustinians.- 

1329.  Peter  got  licence  to  purchase  tliree  acres  m 
Adare.  3 

1359.  The  Convent  got  a  grant  of  £20  a  year,*  wliich 
would  be  equivalent  to  £200  or  £300  at  the  present  time. 

1414.  A  report  was  made  to  the  Holy  See  that  the 
ofhce  of  Minister  of  the  Trinitarian  house  of  St.  James, 
Adare,  was  void  by  the  death  of  Walter  Northyn.  John 
Flemyng  of  the  same  house  unlawfully  detained  it,  and 
inhibited  under  pain  of  excommunication  and  otherwise 
Thomas  Butler,  priest  and  friar  of  the  same  house,  from 
going  to  Rome  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  the  said 
ofhce. 

The  Pope  issued  a  mandate  to  Cornelius  O'Dea, 
Bishop  of  the  Diocese,  the  Abbot  of  St.  Mary's,  Mon- 
asternanagh,    and    Edmond    Fitzadam,    Canon    of    the 

1  See   S.C.D.I.     2  piea  Roll  of  13  Ed;  II.     3  Patent  Roll.      ^Ibid. 


364  DIOCESE_OF    LIMERICK. 

Diocese,  to  summon  John,  and  if  found  guilty  of  the 
above  charge,  to  collate  Thomas  Butler  as  Minister, 
and  to  a  conventual  dignity  with  cure,  and  elective,  for 
the  minister's  use  and  table,  value  not  exceeding  six 
marcs. 1 

1484.  Eugene  Ofaelain  (O'Phelan)  cleric  of  the 
diocese  of  Cloyne,  principal,  bound  himself  to  the  Apos- 
tolic Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  monastery  of 
St.  James,  Athdare,  Order  of  the  Holy  Trinity  for  the 
redemption  of  captives,  value  50  marcs  sterling,  vacant 
by  the  death  of  John  Macklanyche,  former  prior. 

1497.  John  Ardibard,  brother  of  the  Hospital  house 
of  St.  James  of  Hathdar  (Adare),  Order  of  Holy  Trinity 
for  redemption  of  captives,  diocese  of  Limerick,  bound 
himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits 
of  the  ministership  of  said  house,  value  50  marcs, 
vacant  by  the  privation  of  Richard,  Archbishop  of 
Cashel. 

1506.  Thomas  de  Geraldinis  bound  himself  to  the 
Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  monastery 
of  St.  James,  Athdary  (Adare),  vacant  in  a  certain 
manner,  also  for  the  parochial  church  of  Croom. 

At  the  general  suppression  2  of  the  monasteries  in 
Ireland  "  the  Prior  of  this  house,  was  found  seized 
of  the  same  with  Pigeon  House,  50  acres  of  land  within 
the  precincts,  also  of  the  tithes  thereof,  and  two  plough- 
lands  adjoining  the  Friary,  one  called  Upland  or  Bernard, 
and  the  other  the  Castle  and  half  ploughland  of  Roberts- 
town  ;  the  village  and  half  ploughland  of  Kilkerely 
alias  Kilcoyle  alias  Kilbride  ;  the  field  of  Gormon  near 
Adare,  and  sixteen  acres  adjoining  the  meadow  or  marsh 
of  Corbinminster,  lying  on  the  south  side  of  the  Friary  ; 
the  mill  and  water-course  in  Adare,  two  salmon  weirs 

1  Bliss,  Papal  Letters,  Rolls  Series. 

2  In  Archdall's  Monasticon  these  lands  are  wrongly  given  as 
belonging  to  the  Franciscan  Monastery,  Adare. 


MEDIEVAL    RELIGIOUS    FOUNDATIONS.  365 

on  the  river  Maigue,  and  an  eel  weir  in  the  parish  of 
Adare  ;  the  meadow  of  Nonynshaghragherees,  situated 
on  the  south  side  of  the  Friary,  and  a  garden  plot  near 
the  same  ;  the  rectory  and  vicarage  of  the  town  and 
parish  of  Adaire,  together  with  all  the  tithes  issuing  from 
the  following  towns,  viz.  : — Adaire,  Finittstown,  Lisse- 
marry,  Choro,  Toagh,  Kilnockane,  Liskalla,  Graige, 
Derryvenane,  Knockane,  Ballingford,  Currowe,  Kilrogan, 
Comyns,  Boalbally,  Castle  Roberts,  Reynroe,  Cloghrane, 
Killivaraghe,  Rower,  Faningstown,  Liscollybehy,  Gow- 
lane,  Ballymacclery,  Glanenoe,  half  of  Ballygeill,  and 
from  all  the  lands  of  in  the  parish  of  Adaire." 

This  and  the  other  monasteries  of  Adare  passed 
through  many  hands  until  they  became  the  property  of 
Thady  Quin  in  1684.  In  1811  the  first  Earl  of  Dunraven 
repaired  the  ruin  of  the  Trinitarian  church,  and  pre- 
sented it  to  the  Catholics  as  a  parochial  church.  The 
Trinitarian  Fathers  wore  a  white  habit  with  a  red  and 
blue  cross. 

The  Aiigustinian  House  or  Black  Abbey,  Adare. 

John,  Earl  of  Kildare,  in  the  year  1315  founded  a 
house  for  Augustinian  Hermits  at  Adare.  The  charter 
of  foundation  is  dated  13 17,  and  is  as  follows  : — • 

A  charter  for  the  Brothers  of  St.  Augustine.  Be  it  known 
to  you  that  by  an  act  of  our  special  grace  and  from  motives 
of  charity,  we  have  granted  to  the  brothers  of  the  Order  of 
St.  Augustine  of  Adare,  for  the  benefit  of  our  own  soul  and  the 
souls  of  our  predecessors,  which  those  brothers  can  retain  for 
themselves  and  their  successors,  for  pure  and  perpetual 
charity,  one  piece  of  ground  of  two  burgages  in  the  manor  of 
Adare  (which  John  the  son  of  Thomas  Earl  of  Kildare  formerly 
granted  to  those  brothers,  and  which  Thomas  the  son  of  John 
present  Earl  of  Kildare  confirmed  for  them)  and  also  one 
piece  of  half  a  burgage  which  belonged  to  Richard  of  Adare, 
chaplain  ;  in  the  same  town  one  piece  of  ground  of  half  a 


366  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

burgage  which  belonged  to  John  Madak,  also  in  the  said  town  ; 
two  acres  of  land  which  belonged  to  Robert  le  Blound  and  his 
son  John  in  the  same  town,  and  adjoining  the  above-mentioned 
one  piece  of  ground  of  two  burgages  and  a  half.  And  one 
piece  of  ground  of  one  burgage  which  belonged  to  William 
de  Burne  in  the  same  town.  For  we  have  discovered  by 
enquiries  made  at  our  desire  that  this  concession  does  not 
redound  to  the  injury  or  prejudice  of  ourselves  or  others, 
except  merely  inasmuch  as  thereby  w^e  may  be  deprived 
after  death  of  the  above-mentioned  Earl  of  Kildare  of  five 
shillings  and  sixpence  of  revenue  due  to  us  out  of  the  afore- 
said tenements.  Witness,  Roger  de  Mortimer,  deputy. 
Dated  13th  day  of  December,  1317,  in  the  year  of  our 
reign  11."  (Ed.  II.) 

In  1322,  as  we  have  seen,  some  of  its  goods  were 
forcibly  seized  by  some  of  the  Trinitarian  monks.  Like 
many  of  the  conventual  establishments  of  this  period 
its  history  is  very  obscure,  as  there  is  no  document 
known  to  exist  in  reference  to  this  house  from  1322  to 
the  final  suppression. 

This  house  was  also  known  as  the  Black  Abbey,  and 
lies  near  the  bridge  of  Adare,  on  the  south  bank  of  the 
Maigue.  A  considerable  portion  of  the  old  buildings  still 
remains,  such  as  the  nave  and  choir  of  the  church,  an 
inserted  bell  tower,  side  chapel,  convent  gateway  and 
out-buildings,  with  a  pigeonry,  a  detailed  description 
of  which  will  be  found  in  the  Memorials  of  Adare.  In 
1807  the  buildings  were  fitted  up  as  a  Protestant  church 
for  the  parish  of  Adare. 

The  Augustmian  House,  Rathkeale. 

This  religious  house  is  said  to  have  been  founded  by 
one  Gilbert  Harvey  for  Augustinian  Canons  of  the  Order 
of  Aroasia,  but  the  date  is  unknown.  It  must  have  been 
founded  early  in  the  thirteenth  century,  as  John  the 
Prior,  in  the  year  1280,  received  a  grant  for  this  mon- 


MEDIEVAL   RELIGIOUS   FOUNDATIONS.  367 

astery  from  Elinor  Purcell  of  the  tenth  loaf  of  every 
baking,  the  tenth  flagon  of  every  brewing,  the  tenth  pork, 
the  tenth  mutton,  and  a  considerable  portion  of  every 
ox  killed  in  the  manor  of  Mayer  (evidently  Mayncroo 
alias  Croagh),  to  the  due  performance  of  which  she  bound 
herself  and  her  heir.  In  1290  a  lawsuit  was  carried  on 
between  Thomas  le  Chapeleyn,  Guardian  of  the  house 
of  St.  Senan  of  Iniscatha  (Scattery  Island),  and  Benedict, 
Prior  of  St.  Mary's  house,  Rathkeale. 

1307.  Hugh,  son  of  Elinor  Purcell,  was  sued  by  the 
Prior  of  this  house  for  not  fulfilling  the  grant  made  to 
the  monastery  by  his  mother.  Hugh  pleaded  that  his 
mother  made  the  grant  after  settling  the  manor  on  the 
heir.  The  Prior  rejoined  that  after  Elinor's  death  John 
the  Prior  was  put  into  possession  of  the  charity  by  Hugh 
who  ratified  his  mother's  deed. 

The  lawsuit  ended  in  a  compromise,  Hugh  agreeing 
to  give  to  the  Prior  yearly  in  lieu  of  the  grant  2  crannogs 
of  bread-corn,  and  three  crannogs  of  oats,  on  the  feast 
of  St.  Michael,  and  four  porks  on  the  feast  of  St.  Martin, 
for  ever. 

13 18.  Thomas  Purcell  was  prior  this  year  and  accused 
of  violence  at  Moycro  (Croagh). 

1410.  In  taxation  of  the  diocese  it  was  valued  at 
four  marcs. 

1462.  John  O'Keit,  Canon  of  the  Order  of  St.  Augus- 
tine, as  principal,  bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic  Camera 
for  the  first  fruits  of  the  Priorship  of  St.  Mary's  Raid- 
geilla  (Rathkeale)  of  said  Order,  in  the  diocese  of 
Limerick,  value  £12  sterling,  about  to  be  vacated  by  the 
privation  of  William  O'Keit  who  failed  to  pay  his  first 
fruits. 

1463.  Pope  Pius  II.  addressed  a  letter  to  the  Prior 
of  Raydgella  (Rathkeale),  diocese  of  Limerick,  the 
Chancellor,  and  Gerald  Phil  de  Geraldinis,  Canon  of 
Limerick,  containing  instructions  about  conferring  the 


368  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

Rectorship  of  Randbarad,  diocese  of  Ardfert,  on  David 
Fitzmaurice  of  the  same  diocese  (Theiner). 

1476.  PhiUp  O'Ronanyn,  Canon  of  Limerick,  Bachelor 
of  Decrees,  as  principal  and  private  person  bound  himself 
to  the  Apostolic  Camera  in  the  name  of  John  Geraldinis 
perpetual  vicar  of  Cloenach  (Clonagh),  Limerick  diocese, 
for  the  first  fruits  of  the  Priorship  of  St.  Mary's,  Ragkely 
(Rathkeale),  Order  of  St.  Augustine,  which  was  accus- 
tomed to  be  governed  by  a  prior,  vacant  by  the  death  of 
the  late  prior  William  O'Keit  ;  also  for  the  first  fruits 
of  the  perpetual  vicarage  of  Cloenach,  value  five  marcs, 
of  which  he  was  in  possession  and  allowed  to  hold  with 
the  priorship. 

1479.  John  Offaillayn  (O'Phelan),  cleric  of  the  diocese 
of  Limerick  as  procurator,  bound  himself  on  behalf  of 
Tadeo  Oilatif,  perpetual  vicar  of  Khilscanyll  (Kilscannell), 
Limerick  diocese,  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  Priorship 
of  St.  Mary's,  Rathgial  (Rathkeale),  Order  of  St.  Augus- 
tine, value  twelve  marcs,  vacant  by  David  John  entering 
the  Order  of  Friars  Minor  of  the  strict  observance. 

1489.  Donald  Ikellid  (O'Kelly),  Canon  of  the  mon- 
astery of  Clonturkert,  diocese  of  Clonfert,  principal^ 
bound  himself  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  Priorship  of  the 
monastery  of  Raygila  (Rathkeale),  of  the  same  Order, 
value  sixty  marcs,  vacant  by  the  resignation  of  Donat 
O'Kellid  (O'Kelly). 

1500.  Dionysus  O'Chachern,  Canon  of  Limerick, 
bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first 
fruits  of  the  Priorship  of  B.V.  Ragille  (Rathkeale)^ 
Order  of  St.  Augustine,  value  twelve  marcs,  vacant  by 
privation. 

1503.  The  Venerable  Peter  de  Firmo  in  the  name  of 
Maurice  Fellayn,  bound  himself  for  the  first  fruits  of 
the  Priorship  B.V.  of  the  Order  of  St.  Augustine,  Rath- 
galley  (Rathkeale),  vacant  by  the  resignation  of  Thadi 
Offlaythyn. 


MEDIEVAL   RELIGIOUS    FOUNDATIONS.  3^9 

1503.  David  O'Flahyn,  Canon  of  the  Monastery  of 
the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  Order  of  St.  Augustine  of  Rach- 
gell  (Rathkeale),  bound  himself  for  the  first  fruits  of  the 
Priorship  of  the  said  monastery,vacant  in  a  certain  way. 

15 13.  Thomas  Offlayff  bound  himself  to  the  Apostohc 
chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  Priorship  of  the 
Blessed  Virgin,  Order  of  St.  Augustine,  Ragell  (Rath- 
keale), vacant  in  a  certain  manner,  value  twelve  marcs. 

From  this  to  the  suppression  of  the  monasteries  in 
Ireland  there  does  not  seem  to  be  any  record  in  exist- 
ence that  would  help  to  trace  its  history. 

According  to  an  inquisition  held  in  Ehzabeth's  reign, 
it  was  in  the  possession  of  Gerald  Baluff,  who  was  slain 
in  the  rebelhon,  and  afterwards  granted  to  Sir  H.  Wallop. 
In  Peyton's  Survey  (1586)  the  following  account  of  its 
possessions  is  given  : — 

It  was  found  that  the  site  of  the  monastery,  a  castle  called 
Cam  ne  Monaster'  alias  the  castle  at  the  head  of  the  monastery, 
together  with  20  gardens,  one  of  which  was  called  Garren 
Pryori  alias  the  Prior's  garden,  contained  3  acres. 

A  parcel  of  land  called  Clonerahyn  with  its  appurtenances 
10  acres,  Curradaffe  10  acres,  Necowleyn  10  acres,  Bancagh 
Spyadell  land  10  acres,  all  situated  in  the  parish  of  Temple 
Trenode  in  Rathkeale. 

Drumrannane  Gannana  in  the  toghe  of  Ardagh,  one  of 
the  eight  Callow  toghes,  parish  of  Ardagh  10  acres. 

Parcel  of  land  called  ffarren  ne  Ganna  in  the  toghe  of 
Nantenan  10  acres.  The  two  last  townlands  are  described 
"  as  very  badde  grounde  and  over  more  laye  waste  in  the 
Prior's  time  that  they  never  reaped  comodytee  by  them." 
Total  extent  of  land  53  acres. 

The  ruins  of  this  monastery  are  still  to  be  seen  at  the 
north-east  side  of  the  town  and  near  the  Limerick  road. 
A  portion  of  the  church  and  tower  still  remains.  1 

iSee  Jour.  R.S.A.I.,  p.  86,  year  1879. 


370  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

The  Religions  House  of  St.  Mary,  St.  Edward  King  and 
Martyr,  and  the  Holy  Cross. 

It  has  been  generally  asserted  that  there  were  two 
houses  of  the  Augustinian  Order  in  the  city.  One  be- 
longing to  the  Regular  Canons  of  St.  Augustine  was 
dedicated  to  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary  and  St.  Edward 
King  and  Martyr.  It  is  supposed  to  have  occupied  the 
site  of  the  city  court-house,  opposite  the  Cathedral.  The 
other  house  belonged  to  Augustinian  Hermits,  and  was 
dedicated  to  the  Blessed  Virgn  Mary  and  the  Holy 
Cross.  It  is  supposed  to  have  been  situated  in  Sir 
Harry's  Mall  a  little  north  of  Ball's  Bridge.  In  reality 
both  these  supposed  houses  were  one  and  the  same  and 
belonged  neither  to  the  Canons  Regular,  nor  the  Augus- 
tinian Hermits,  but  to  the  crouched  or  cross-bearing 
friars  who  followed  the  rule  of  St.  Augustine,  and  were  so 
called,  because  they  originally  carried  a  cross  or  staff 
and  crouched  before  it.  The  house  they  occupied  was 
situated  in  Sir  Harry's  Mall,  and  generally  set  down  as  a 
house  of  Augustinian  Hermits.  It  was  dedicated  to  the 
Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  St.  Edward  King  and  Martyr,  and 
the  Holy  Cross.  In  medieval  documents  it  was  some- 
times called  St.  Mary's  and  St.  Edward's,  other  times 
St.  Mary's  and  the  Holy  Cross,  and  in  this  way  the  error 
arose. 

The  crouched  friars  ^  were  introduced  into  England 
in  1244  from  Italy,  the  home  of  the  Order.  It  is  said 
they  were  introduced  into  Limerick  by  one  Simon  Minor 
early  in  the  thirteenth  century,  and  must  have  been 
well  established  in  the  year  1280,  as  in  that  year  Nicholas 
Harold  attorned  Henry  de  Berkeley  in  a  suit  against 
the  prior  of  this  house, 2 

We   have   scarcely    any    information    regarding   this 

1  Matthew  Paris.  2. Mem.  Rolls. 


MEDIEVAL   RELIGIOUS    FOUNDATIONS.  37I 

house  during  the  fourteenth  century,  but  in  the  fifteenth 
the  return  of  the  first  fruits  supply  us  with  the  names 
of  some  of  the  Priors,  the  vahie  of  the  property,  and  the 
identification  of  the  house. 

1428.  Nicholas  Haket,  Dean  of  Ossory,  in  the  name 
of  Walter  Haket  bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber 
for  the  first  fruits  of  the  Priorship  of  the  Hospital  of 
St.  Mary  and  St.  Edward,  otherwise  Holy  Cross  of  the 
Order  of  St.  Augustine  ("  Prioratus  domus  Hospitalis  Beati 
Marie  et  Sci  Edwarde  alias  See  Crucis  Limericensis 
Ordinis  St.  Augustini")  whose  value  is  estimated  at  26 
marcs,  vacant  by  the  privation  of  Edmund  Fitzadam, 
also  for  the  fruits  unduly  received  from  the  parochial 
church  of  Wileston,  diocese  of  Emly. 

1470.  Eugene  Ofaelan  (O'Phelan),  cleric  of  the  diocese 
of  Cloyne,  Bachelor  in  Decrees,  principal,  bound  him- 
self to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the 
Priorship  of  the  Hospital  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary 
and  St.  Edward  Martyr,  near  the  bridge.  Limerick,  of 
the  Order  of  St.  Augustine,  value  forty  marcs,  vacant 
by  the  promotion  of  Thomas  elect  of  Limerick. 

1470.  Eugene  Offaelan  (O'Phelan),  cleric  of  the 
diocese  of  Cloyne  (commendarius  prioratus)  of  the 
Hospital  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary  and  St.  Edward 
Martyr,  near  the  bridge,  Limerick,  Order  of  St.  Augus- 
tine, bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the 
first  fruits  of  the  parochial  church  of  Rathranan  (Rath- 
ronan),  Limerick  diocese,  value  twelve  marcs,  to  be  united 
to  the  said  priorship  of  said  Eugene,  vacant  by  the  death 
of  William  Mackosdeallydo  outside  the  Roman  Curia, 
and  a  mandate  for  uniting  them  to  be  given  at  Rome.  He 
promises  to  pay  the  first  fruits  for  the  said  parochial 
church  and  Priorship  (united)  six  months  after  said 
union. 

1475.  Philip  Yronayn,  Bachelor  of  Decrees,  Limerick 
diocese,  as  principal  and  private  person  bound  himself 


372  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  m  the  name  of  Thomas,  Bishop 
of  Limerick  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  Priorship  of  Hol}^ 
Cross,  near  the  bridge,  Limerick,  Order  of  Cross-bearing 
friars  of  St.  Mary  ("  Prioratus  Sancti  Crucis  juxta  portum 
Limericen  Ordinis  Bte.  Marie  Cruciferorum"),  value  fort}^ 
marcs,  vacant  by  privation  in  form  of  law  outside 
the  Roman  Curia.  Thomas  was  appointed  ad  com- 
mendum. 

i486.  John,  cleric  of  the  diocese  of  Limerick,  principal, 
bound  himself  to  the  Apostohc  Chamber  for  the  first 
fruits  of  the  Priorship  of  the  Hospital  of  Holy  Cross, 
called  Blessed  Mary,  and  St.  Edward  King  and  Martyr, 
near  the  bridge.  Limerick,  Order  of  St.  Augustine  ("Prior- 
atus Hospitalis  Sancti  Crucis  nuncupati  Beate  Mariae 
et  Sancti  Edwardi  Regis  et  Martiris  juxta  pontem  Lym- 
yricen,  ordinis  Sancti  Augustini  "),  value  forty  marcs, 
vacant  by  the  death  of  Thomas,  Bishop  of  Limerick,  its 
former  "  Prior  Commendatarii." 

i486.  (September  30th).  Geoffrey  Arthur,  Treasurer 
of  the  church  of  Limerick,  principal,  bound  himself  to 
the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  Prior- 
ship  of  Holy  Cross,  Order  of  the  Crouched  Friars  of 
St.  Mary,  near  the  bridge.  Limerick  ("  Prioratus  Sancte 
Crucis  juxta  pontem  Limericen  Ordinis  Beate  Marie 
cruciferorum  "),  value  sixty  marcs,  vacant  by  the  death 
of  Thomas,  Bishop  of  Limerick. 

1487.  Eustachius  Arthur,  Canon  of  Limerick,  prin- 
cipal, bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the 
first  fruits  of  a  Canonry  and  Prebend  of  said  church, 
value  sixteen  marcs,  and  the  priorship  of  the  house  or 
Hospital  of  St.  Mary  and  St.  Edward,  near  the  bridge, 
Limerick,  Order  of  St.  Augustine  or  the  Crouched  Friars 
of  St.  Mary  ("  domus  sive  Hospitalis  Sanctorum  Marie  et 
Edwardi  juxta  pontem  Lymiricen,  sive  Augni.,  sive  Bte. 
Me.  Cruciferorum  "),  value  fifty  marcs,  to  which  he  was 
appointed.     How  this  house  fared  until  the  dissolution 


MEDIEVAL    RELIGIOUS    FOUNDATIONS.  373 

we  have  now  no  means  of  judging,  as  there   docs  not 
appear  to  be  any  documents  extant. 

We  learn  from  an  inquisition  taken  before  Nicholas 
Comyn,  Mayor  (1537),  that  it  was  found  "  that  Symon 
Mynor,  some  time  citizen  of  the  city  of  Limerick,  was 
founder  of  St.  Mary's  house  in  the  worship  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin  Mary,  and  St.  Edward  King  and  Martyr.  The 
Prior,  Sir  John  Fox,  left  in  the  said  house  a  chalice  in 
the  hands  of  Stephen  Creagh,  in  pledge  for  30s.  The 
jury  <^ay  they  found  in  the  high  altar  a  table  of  alabaster, 
four  candlesticks,  a  censer,  two  pair  of  cruets,  twenty - 
one  books,  great  and  small,  holy  water  stock,  a  pair  of 
organs  .  .  .  eighteen  wax  tapers,  three  copper  crosses, 
three  vestments,  a  great  bell,  two  small  bells,  three  (doss) 
bowls,  two  old  coffers,  .  .  .  beds,  a  standing  bed,  three 
old  surplices,  a  lydge  table,  three  small  tables,  six  tastelles, 
two  chairs,  two  candlesticks,  two  brooches,  a  hanging 
candlestick,  a  platter,  two  pattens,  a  brass  pot,  two  .  .  . 
three  lowys  of  glass,  a  lydge  trestell,  and  five  forms 
which  were  found  both  in  the  church  and  hall  of  the  said 
St.  Mary's  house.  That  the  prior  had  the  first  voice  in 
the  election  of  mayor  and  bailiffs,  and  sat  next  the 
mavor  in  the  courthouse  on  the  day  of  election."  1 

Tliis  monastery,  as  we  have  already  seen,  had  as  part 
of  its  possessions  the  lands  now  known  as  North  and 
South  Prior's  land,  also  St,  John's  church  in  the  city. 
After  the  dissolution  this  monastery,  with  all  its  posses- 
sions, passed  to  Edmond  Sexton,  which  he  "  craftil}^ 
obtained  despite  the  protest  of  the  corporation."  There 
is  now  no  trace  of  the  original  building,  but  the  posses- 
sions belong  to  the  Earl  of  Limerick  as  the  descendant 
of  Sexton. 2 

The  dress  of  the  friars  was  blue  with  a  red  cross.  They 

'  See  Fitzgerald's  History  of  Limerick,  Vol.  ii.,  p.  568. 
2  For  a  full  account  of  this  Order,   see  Die.  des  Ordrcs  Religieux, 
Vol.  i.,  Abbe  Migne  Series. 


374 


DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 


were  sometimes  confomided  with  the  Canons  Regular 
of  St,  Augustine,  and  with  the  Trinitarian  Order,  not- 
ably by  Lopez,  as  we  may  have  an  opportunity  of 
pointing  out  later  on. 


DOORWAY    OF    OLD    ABBEY. 

St.   CatJicrine''s  dc  0''ConyL 
The  ruins  of  the  convent  of  St.  Catherine  de  O'Conyl 
or    Monister   na-Gaalliaghduffe    (the    monastery  of    the 
Black  Nuns),  now  popularly  known  as  Old  Abbey,  are 


MEDIEVAL    RELIGIOUS    FOUNDATIONS.  375 

situated  in  a  small  valley  near  Old  Abbey  House,  about 
two  miles  east  of  the  village  of  Shanagolden  in  the 
parish  of  Robertstown. 

The  first  reference  that  can  be  found  to  this  convent, 
is  that  in  the  Inquisition  relating  to  the  Manor  of  Shanid 
in  1298,  where  the  following  entry  is  given:  "Wherefrom 
are  subtracted  8s.  paid  yearly  to  the  Bishop  of  Limerick  for 
land  which  his  grandfather  granted  to  the  nuns  of 
O'Konyl,  and  26s.  8^.  paid  to  the  same  Bishop  to  acquit 
land  of  demesne  which  Sir  Thomas  held  of  him  there." 

John  Fitzmaurice,  the  above-mentioned  grandfather, 
was  slain  at  Callan  in  1261,  so  that  the  convent  must  liave 
been  in  existence  for  some  years  before  this  date. 

In  the  taxation  of  1302  the  goods  of  the  house  of  St. 
Catherine  were  valued  at  40s.  4^.,  and  the  tenth  4s.  i^^. 

In  1306  it  is  stated  that  "  the  revenue  of  the  mon- 
astery of  the  Prioress  of  O'Conyi  does  not  suffice  for  the 
maintenance  of  the  prioress  and  convent." 

1306.  In  this  year  the  prioress  was  engaged  in  a  law- 
suit with  Maurice  Fitzphihp,  who  got  a  loan  of  a  horse 
to  go  into  Leinster  to  assist  John  Fitzthomas  in  his  wars. 
Maurice  promised  to  return  the  horse  immediately  and 
in  good  condition.  Yet  he  detained  him  for  six  months, 
and  also  provisioned  himself  and  his  kerne  at  the  expense 
of  the  prioress,  which  greatly  oppressed  her  tenants,  who 
threatened  to  leave  her  lands.  The  prioress  succeeded 
in  recovering  17s.  4^.  from  the  said  Maurice  for  these 
offences.  It  may  be  remarked  that  Edmund  MacPhilip 
held  Dysert  Castle  and  other  lands  in  Morgans  in  1586, 
and  probably  was  a  descendant  of  the  above-mentioned 
Maurice. 1 

1316.  The  prioress  failed  to  present  Norman  Fitz- 
richard  to  the  vicarage  of  Robert  Goer  (Robertstown). 
She  was  summoned  to  answer  for  this  offence,  but  did 

1  Peyton's  Survey. 


376  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

not  appear  to  answer  the  charge,  for  which  she  was 
ordered  to  be  attached  for  contempt  of  court. 

1418.  Bona  domus  Katherinae  in  O'Conyll  custos 
exced  se  in  redditu  annuaht  taxanter  XIs.  Illd.i 

A  tradition  existed  in  the  beginning  of  last  century 
that^this  convent  was  suppressed  by  the  Holy  See  before 
the  dissolution  of  the  monasteries,  owing  to  some  irregu- 
larities of  the  prioress,  who  was  a  lady  of  the  Fitzgeralds. 
This  tradition  is  confirmed  by  the  following  entry  in  the 
return  of  the  first  fruits  : — 

1428.  (23rd  November)  Cornelius  O'Longligh  (Lynch), 
rector  of  the  parochial  church  of  Rayronayn  (Rathronan), 
diocese  of  Limerick,  as  principal  and  private  person,  bound 
himself  in  the  name  of  Alan  O'Longsichh  vel  O'Longsidyh 
(?  0' Lynch)  for  the  first  fruits  of  the  first  year  of  the  paro- 
chial church  of  St.  Ratherine  deO'Conill,  diocese  of  Limerick, 
value  20  marcs  ;  vacant  by  the  suppression  of  the  order  or 
nuns  of  St.  Catherine  de  O'Conill  (per  suppressionem  Mon. 
See  Catherine  de  O'Conill.) 

We  are  not  able  to  trace  the  fate  of  this  convent 
further,  as  there  seems  to  be  no  mention  of  it  until  the 
reign  of  Philip  and  Mary,  when  an  inquisition  was  taken 
of  its  possessions.  It  is  frequently  mentioned  in  the 
latter  half  of  the  sixteenth  century  as  its  possessions 
passed  through  many  hands. 

Peyton  gives  the  following  townlands  as  belonging 
to  the  parish  of  St.  Catherine  or  of  the  monastery  of 
Nogellagh,  as  he  calls  it  : — 

Crag  McTeige 

Bovannyn  i 

Ballyknockane     j  "+  ^ 

Molaharde  ' 

Downesahell,    i    quarter. 

Carrow,  i  quarter.     In  this  quarter  there   was   a 

1  See  Memorials  of  Adare. 


'^'^3 


PLAN    OF    ST.    CATHERINE  S  ;    OR,    OLD    ABBEY,    SHANAGOLDEN. 

[  face  2Jci(je  d' 


MEDIEVAL    RELIGIOUS    FOUNDATIONS.  377 

castle  ;  it  is  also  stated  that  these  two  quarters  were 
manured  and  inhabited.  This  convent  had  also  the 
rectories  of  Dunmoylan,  Grange  (near  Newcastle  West), 
and  Robertstown.  It  had  a  rent  of  20s.  out  of  Aughinish 
Island. 

Archdall  says  that  it  had  certain  rectories  in  the 
barony  of  Duhallow,  Co.  Cork,  but  these  seem  to  belong 
to  the  convent  of  St.  Catherine,  Waterford.  Some  of 
our  local  authorities,  following  Archdall,  identify  this 
convent  with  a  convent  of  a  similar  name  near  Lough 
Gur.  The  ruins  of  this  house,  as  they  exist  at  present, 
consist  of  a  long  narrow  church  of  the  thirteenth-century 
style,  measuring  83  feet  by  i8|-  feet,  with  a  handsome 
doorway,  a  cloister  garth  measuring  73  feet  square,  to 
the  west  of  which  is  a  domicile  containing  three  vaults. 
To  the  south  of  the  cloister  garth  is  the  refectory,  and 
south  of  that  the  kitchen.  Some  of  the  out-buildings 
remain,  such  as  the  pigeon  house,  which  resembles  that 
of  Adare,  the  fish  pond,  outer  enclosure  gates,  etc.^ 

Monaster  ne  Callow  Duffe  or  Black  Abbey  in  Limerick. 

There  seems  to  be  nothing  known  about  this  convent 
except  the  following  entry  in  Peyton  : — 

Monaster  ne  Callowe  Duffe  near  the  walls  of  Limerick, 
and  in  the  parish  of  Temple  Moyry,  otherwise  called  Lady's 
parish  (now  St.  Mary's),  in  the  city,  with  its  gardens,  orchards 
and  buildings,  was  held  by  Murrugho  McDermodo  J.  Bryan, 
Baron  of  Inchequeyne  in  Thomond. 

St.  Peter's  Convent. 

This  convent  is  supposed  to  have  been  founded  by 
Donald  More  O'Brien  in  11 71  for  Canonesses  of  St. 
Augustine.     There  is  very  little  known  about  it. 

'  See  interesting  essay  by  Mr.  John  Wardell,  and  elaborate  descrip 
tion  of  ruins  by  Mr.  T.  J.  Westropp,  Joi{y.  R.S.A.I.,  VoL  xxiv.,  year  1904. 


378  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

1377.  Protection  granted  to  the  prioress  of  tliis  con- 
vent.^  After  the  suppression  of  the  monasteries  it  was 
granted  to  Edmond  Sexton.  There  is  not  a  vestige  of 
the  ruins  now  remaining.  It  was  near  the  town  wall 
in  that  place,  now  known  as  Peter's  cell,  near  St.  Mary's 
Convent. 

St.  Mary's  Cathedral.'^ 

Donald  O'Brien  (1168-1194),  the  last  king  of  Limerick, 
is  said  to  have  founded  and  endowed  St.  Mar3^'s  church 
about  the  time  of  the  arrival  of  the  Anglo-Normans  in 
Ireland.  But  as  we  have  already  pointed  out,  this 
church  is  of  a  much  older  date,  as  it  is  distinctly  men- 
tioned in  the  decrees  of  the  Synod  of  Rathbreasail,  which 
was  held  in  the  year  mo,  and  presided  over  by  Gillebert 
Bishop  of  Limerick,  that  St.  Mary's  was  the  cathedral 
church  of  the  diocese. 

The  old  church  of  this  early  date  was  very  different 
from  the  present  stately  fabric  which  is  the  growth  of 
ages.  Yet  from  the  different  styles  of  architecture  a 
fair  idea  may  be  formed  of  what  it  was  originally.  The 
form  of  the  building  is  that  of  a  Latin  cross  ;  as  it  now 
stands  it  is  about  170  feet  in  length,  the  transept  about 
93  t>y  30  feet,  the  height  of  the  tower  120  feet.  It  con- 
sists of  a  nave,  a  chancel,  a  north  and  south  transept, 
two  aisles  on  each  side,  and  a  tower. 

On  the  north  side  there  are  three  chapels,  one  higher 
and  longer  than  the  north  transept,  and  two  smaller  ; 
through  one  of  the  latter  there  was  formerly  an  entrance 
from  Bow-lane,  and  the  other  is  now  used  as  a  baptistery. 
The  material  of  the  building  was  Ballysimon  limestone, 
singularly  durable,  seeing  that  it  preserves  a  good  deal 
of  its    original    freshness    after   so  many    centuries    of 

1  Close  Rolls,  Ed.  III. 

2  See  Irish  Ecclesiastical  Record,  i88c.  R.S.A.I.,  i8q8.  Guide  to- 
Cathedral,  by  Rev.  J.  Dowd. 


f     fONT      i     VESTRY       I  ARTHUR      (I 


■    ,172-1107. 

Z'J    FOUNDAltONJ  n7i 

mil     I369-Il»00. 

S    11,16-11,50 

Il,89-I5afe 

DOUBTFUL 


UTtRIOR    ibO 

N*vt  101,'  torn.  2b'>  wil 

CHOIIk  it'      „         It       .< 


^^'^:5^T^^ 


PLAN    OF    ST.    MARY  S    CATHEDRAL,    LIMERICK. 
Architectural  Features  and  Older  Tombs  :— 


A,  Altar  Slab. 

li,  Piscinae,  with  .Shelves. 

C,  Credence  Table. 

D,  Stoups. 

E,  Sedilia. 

F,  Misereres. 

G,  Stoups. 

H.  Miagh  (?)  Arni.s. 
I,   Arthur  Arms. 


J,  Closed  Door. 
K,  Corbels,  Ancient- 
L,  St.  Michael  and  .Satan. 
M,  Lord  Inchiqnin,  167:<- 
N,  King  Donald,  1194.  Dean. 
Andrew  Crcagh,  1520,  &c. 
O,  Arthur,  IRKl,  Sec. 
P,  GefFrv  Arturc.  1519. 
Q,  John  Itox,  1519. 


R,  Bishop  O'Brien.  1207. 
8,  Earl  of  Thoraond,  1624. 
T,  Bishop  ODea. 
U,  Bultingfort,  Galwav,  and 

Budstone  (1369-1449). 
V,  Stackpoole  and  Roche. 
W.  William  Yorke. 


\  farr  par/r  378. 


MEDIEVAL    RELIGIOUS    FOUNDATIONS.  3  7q 

exposure  to  the  elements.  The  roof  was  originally  oak 
from  the  Cratloe  woods,  and  some  years  ago  when 
extensive  repairs  were  carried  on  the  old  roof  was 
taken  down  and  it  was  found  to  be  still  sound  and  firm. 
It  was  like  all  our  ancient  churches,  when  the  site 
permitted  it,  due  cast  and  west,  the  chancel  or  altar 
being  at  the  east  end. 

The  style  of  the  original  church  was  Irish  Romanesque, 
and  closely  resembles  the  Cistercian  abbey  of  Monastera- 
nenagh,  which  was  built  about  half  a  century  later. 
Considerable  traces  of  the  original  style  remain,  such 
as  the  capitals  in  the  west  doorway,  the  pillars  along  the 
nave,  the  corbels  to  support  the  beams  of  the  inner 
aisles,  the  round-headed  windows  of  the  clerestory,  and 
the  doorway  on  the  south  side  of  the  chancel  now  closed 
up.  All  these  details  give  a  pretty  clear  idea  of  the 
original  church.  By  taking  away  the  outer  aisles  on 
both  sides  with  their  chapels,  the  tower,  the  southern 
and  western  porch,  with  a  part  of  the  chancel,  we  have 
the  church  as  it  stood  in  Gillebert's  time.  It  will  appear 
rather  small,  but  when  we  consider  that  the  Irish  churches 
of  the  time  were  generahy  not  more  than  60  feet  m  length , 
it  must  be  considered  a  great  advance  on  the  past.  As 
we  have  already  seen,  Bishop  Donat  or  Donoh  O'Brien 
(1200-1207)  was  a  special  friend  of  King  John,  and  eager 
to  advance  his  cause  in  Ireland.  He  introduced  the  rite 
of  Sahsbury  as  ordered  at  the  Synod  of  Cashel  in  1172. 
In  St.  Mary's  and  most  of  the  old  churches  of  the  diocese 
we  have  distinct  traces  of  the  Salisbury  or  Sarum  rite. 
There  are  still  in  various  parts  of  the  cathedral  small 
niches  cut  in  the  wall  not  unlike  holy  water  fonts.  There 
are  holy  water  fonts  too  at  the  south  and  west  doorways. 
But,  besides  these,  there  is  at  the  epistle  side  of  each  oi 
the  chapels  what  is  called  a  sacrarium  or  piscina,  which 
at  present  is  erected  only  in  our  sacristies.  According 
to  the  Sarum  rite,  the  priest  at  the  end  of  Mass  did  not 


380  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

consume  the  ablution,  it  was  thrown  into  the  Sacrarium  ; 
hence  we  find  a  prayer  in  the  Sarum  Missal  to  be  said 
by  the  priest  when  going  from  the  altar  to  the  Sacrarium, 
and  returning  from  it  again,  to  finish  Mass.  To  this 
time  probably  belongs  the  altar  stone  in  one  of  the  north 
chapels. 

By  a  law  made  by  Archbishop  Comyn  in  1186  altars 
skould  be  of  stone  ;  if  one  of  sufficient  size  was  not  avail- 
able, then  "  a  square  entire,  and  pohshed  one  should  be 
fixed  in  the  middle  of  the  altar  where  Christ's  body  was 
to  be  consecrated,  of  a  compass  broad  enough  to  hold 
five  crosses  and  to  bear  the  foot  of  the  largest  chalice." 
On  the  altar  stone  in  St.  Mary's  are  visible  the  crosses 
incised  one  at  each  corner  and  one  in  the  middle.  There 
is  no  record  when  the  tower  was  erected,  it  is  certain  it 
formed  no  part  of  the  original  building,  and  equally 
•certain  it  was  erected  before  1500  judging  from  the  style 
of  the  windows. 

Round  the  cathedral  stood  the  residences  of  the  clergy 
who  served  the  church.  The  Dean's  Close  extended  from 
the  western  door  of  the  cathedral  down  to  the  site  of  the 
present  County  Court,  his  house  stood  near  the  site  of 
the  gaol  in  Crobsie's  Row.  The  college  of  Vicars-Choral 
was  opposite  the  north  transept  on  the  other  side  of  Bow 
lane,  and  its  pointed  doorway  and  perpendicular  win- 
dows were  in  perfect  preservation  until  they  were  removed 
Last  year ;  and  the  site  is  now  occupied  by  a  row  of  newly- 
built  cottages.  An  underground  passage  was  discovered 
some  years  ago  leading  from  it  to  the  cathedral. 

The  rest  of  the  ecclesiastical  property  extended 
towards  the  castle,  the  whole  forming  the  "  sanctuary," 
and  had  certain  rights  and  privileges,  one  of  w^hich  was 
to  afford  protection  to  those  accused  until  they  should 
have  a  fair  hearing  from  their  judges  in  doubtful  cases  ; 
and  to  give  the  clergy  an  opportunity  to  intercede  for 
delinquents,  but  not  to  shield  public  criminals  from  the 


MEDIEVAL    RELIGIOUS    FOUNDATIONS.  381 

punishments  they  deserved.     We  now  proceed  to  notice 
the  benefactors  of  the  cathedral. 

Donald  O'Brien,  King  of  Limerick,  gave  a  grant  of 
land  to  the  cathedral  already  noticed  in  this  work.  There 
is  a  long  narrow  slab  at  present  in  the  J  ebb  Chapel,  having 
carved  upon  it  a  Celtic  cross  between  four  fantastic  lions. 
It  formerly  lay  just  inside  the  western  door,  and  tradition 
says  that  it  covered  the  grave  of  the  founder  of  the 
cathedral. 

Bishop  Donoch  O'Brien  (1200-1207)  completed  the 
chancel  and  transepts,  established  canons,  and  richly 
endowed  it.  His  arms — a  chevron  between  three  lions 
passant — are  engraved  on  a  mural  slab  fixed  in  the  wall 
over  the  pulpit,  on  the  upper  border  of  this  slab  is  the 
name  Dongh,  or  as  others  read  it,  Donoh,  in  Gothic 
lettering. 

Bishop  Hubert  de  Burgo  (1222-1250)  was  a  great 
benefactor  of  the  cathedral.^ 

Bishop  Robert  (1250-1275)  gave  many  benefices  to  the 
cathedral.  Bishop  Richard  Waters  (1311-1335)  laid 
out  large  sums  of  money  in  repairing  and  adorning  the 
church.     He  consecrated  it  in  1327. 

Fortunately  the  Arthur  MSS.  ^  preserve  the  wills  of  a 
few  leading  citizens  who  were  great  benefactors  to  this 
church. 

Thomas  Balbeyn,  surnamed  Cor,  left  the  castle  of 
Thomcor  by  his  will  to  the  citizens  of  Limerick,  which 
was  situated  in  the  Irishtown,  on  condition  if  they  should 
pray  for  his  soul,  and  provided  his  brother  Henry  of  the 
city  of  Bristol  should  not  live  in  Limerick.  By  permis- 
sion of  Richard  {recte  Stephen)  Wall,  Bishop  of  Limerick, 
the  Dean  and  Chapter,  he  built  the  chapel  of  St.  James 
in  the  southern  part  of  St.  Mary's,  and  bequeathed  it  to 

'  See  his  reign.  2  See  Lenihan,  p.  336. 


382  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

Nicholas  Stritch.     This  will  was  proved  before  IJishop 
O'Dea  in  1403. 

About  this  time  also  another  wealthy  citizen,    John 
Budstone,  who  was  sheriff  of  the  city  in  1401,  presented 
the   cathedral   with   four   brass   bells.     Every   Limerick 
man  is  acquainted  with  the  beautiful  legend  of  those 
bells.  1     He  was  an  ancestor  of  the  Arthur  family,  and 
Dr.  Arthur  in  his  MSS.  thus  commemorates  the  gift  : — 
Without  morality  all  faith  is  vain, 
John  Buston  teaches  in  this  warning  strain, 
Who  to  the  church  those  powerful  bells  has  given, 
Do  thou,  departing,  with  him  rest  in  heaven. 

His  daughter,  Margaret  Budstone  or  Buston,  who 
was  married  to  Peter  Arthur,  gave  to  her  son  William 
*'  two  monuments  bearing  the  name  Budstone,  and  a 
just  share  in  the  chapel  which  represents  Magdalene,  and 
Dr.  Arthur  in  1642  composed  an  inscription  to  be  put  up 
in  the  chapel  of  St.  Mary  Magdalen  "  (Patroness  of  the 
Guild  of  Barber  Surgeons,  Limerick). 

There  is  a  sedilia  in  the  south  transept  having  John 
Budstone's  name  engraved  upon  it.  This  name  is  now 
extinct  in  the  city,  but  I  remember  meeting  a  family 
of  the  name  Buston  in  Coolcappa  parish. 

Richard  Bultingfort  (1357-1405)  was  a  leading  mer- 
chant in  his  time,  and  must  have  been  a  man  of  ability 
and  character  as  he  filled  the  oftice  of  Mayor  many  times 
(1357,  1367,  1376,  1380,  1386,  and  1396).  He  carried 
on  the  work  of  restoration  in  very  troubled  times  during 
the  episcopacy  of  Peter  Curragh  and  part  of  Cornelius 
O'Dea's  reign. 

His  will  is  extant,  and  gives  a  fair  idea  of  the  wealth 
of  a  leading  citizen,  and  how  he  disposed  of  it.  The  will 
was  proved  before  Bishop  O'Dea  by  his  widow,  who  was 
one  of  the  Roche  family,  on  the  Sunday  before  the  feast 

1  See  Poems  by  Uenis  Florence  Mac  Carthy. 


OBRIEN. 


>5RTHUR.  OALWEY. 


GAUWEY. 


WT 


'W\<?.'\^v^i^^^^ 


(1)  The  Coffln-lid  of  Donald  More  O'Brien,  HtJ8-lliU.      (2i  A  Carving  in  first  pillar  from  the  south 

door.    (3)  A  slab  over  the  door  of  the  Sexton  Vault.    (1)  Arms  of  Bishop  Douon  O'Brien,  1J00-120(. 

(5)  Arthur  Arms.     (6  and  7)  Galwey  Arms.  Ifacepagei 


MEDIEVAL    RELIGIOUS    FOUNDATIONS.  383 

of  St.  Peter,  which  is  called  ad  vincula,  1406.  It  is  pre- 
served in  the  Patent  Rolls,  anno  i  Elizabeth,  from  which 
is  taken  the  following  extracts  :  "  He  leaves  his  soul 
to  God  and  to  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary  and  all  the  angels 
and  saints,  and  his  body  to  be  buried  in  the  church  of 
the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  Limerick.  He  leaves  the 
vicars  of  said  church  20s.  for  forgotten  tithes."  He  also 
left  legacies  to  the  Dominicans  and  Franciscans  for  the 
repairs  of  their  churches  ;  then  follow  a  list  of  legacies 
to  his  family,  domestics,  and  friends. 

There  is  a  slab  let  into  the  wall  in  the  south  transept 
close  to  the  door  leading  to  the  vestry,  with  a  partially 
defaced  inscription  in  memory  of  Richard  Bultingfort  and 
Geoffry  Galway,  which  reads  as  follows  : — 

(Hie)  jacet  in  tuba  venerabilis  vir  Richardus 
(Bulting)fort    quoda  .  .  .  civitatu     Lim 
Corcagie  q  obiit  .  .  .  Ano  de  Mcccc  .  .   . 
Hie    jacet  .  .  .  venerabilis    vir    Galfridus 
Galway  quoda  civis  civitatu  Limerici   Corcagie 
Waterfordiae   q  obiit  die  Januarii  Anno   do  MCCCXL. 

Edmundus 
filius  talis  Galfridi  et  Margarita  filie  talis  Rice  Bu  .  .  ,  fort 
ista  tuba  fieri  fecerunt. 

Translation  with  the  missing  words  supplied  : — 

Here  lies  in  the  Tomb  a  man  worthy  of  veneration, 
Richard    Bultingfort,    formerly    a    citizen 
of  the  city  of  Limerick  and  Cork, 
Who    died   in   the    year   of  our   Lord    14  .  .  . 
Here  hes  in  the  Tomb  a  man  worthy  of  veneration,  Geoffrey 

Galway, 

formerly  a  citizen  of  the  city  of  Limerick  of  Cork  of  Waterford, 

who  died  the  4th  day  of  January,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 

1440. 

Edmund  son  of  the  said  Geoffrey  and  Margaret  daughter  of 

the  said  Richard  Bultingfort  caused  these  tombs 

to  be  constructed. 


384  DIOCESE     OF    LIMERICK. 

Here  we  have  the  tombs  of  Richard  Bultingfort  and 
Geoffrey  Galway.  In  Morrin's  Calendar  there  is  a 
conveyance  from  Geoffrey  Galway  of  Cork  to  his  wife 
Margaret  Bultingfort,  and  John  his  heir,  of  all  his 
possessions  in  Cork  and  Kinsale.i 

Geoffrey  died  in  1445,  and  an  inventory  of  his  goods 
was  taken  at  Limerick,  viz.  : — Forty  quarters  of  salt, 
worth  £13  6i-.  ^d.  ;  five  lasts  and  a  half  in  the  hands  of 
Edmund  Galway  ;  a  coat  of  mail,  worth  £4  os.  od.  ;  a 
helmet,  worth  ^s.  ;  a  pipe  of  honey,  £3  6^-.  8^/.  ;  and  eight 
bales  of  linen  cloth  worth  £4  Oi'.  od.  In  his  will,  after 
leaving  his  soul  to  God,  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  and  all 
the  angels  and  saints,  and  directing  his  body  to  be  buried 
in  the  chapel  of  St.  James  in  the  cathedral  of  Limerick, 
he  leaves  to  the  Canons  of  the  church  6s.  8d.  ;  for  the 
repairing  of  the  chapel,  looi-.  ;  for  the  chaplain  to  pray 
for  his  soul,  £20  ;  to  each  of  the  vicars  of  the  cathedral, 
6s.  8d.  ;  also  6s.  8d.  to  each  of  the  following  :  William 
White,  William  Applyard,  John  Joy,  Friars  Minors, 
churches  of  St.  Munchin,  St.  Nicholas,  St.  John,  and  ^s. 
to  St.  Michael's  ;  also  6^-.  8d.  for  the  repair  of  the  chancel 
of  the  church  of  Kilmallock,  together  with  bequests  of 
a  similar  kind  to  different  churches  in  Cork,  Kinsale  and 
Youghal. 

He  left  to  his  children,  viz.,  Patrick,  "  my  scarlet 
gown  edged  with  martin,  my  black  hood  and  a  large  pot ;" 
to  Edmund  "  my  blue  gown  edged  with  greyn  ;  "  to  Walter 
a  blue  gown  ;  to  Edmund  Fitzhenry  a  green  gown  ;  to  my 
daughter  Margaret  for  her  marriage  portion,  £6  i^s.  4^/., 
etc. 

Immediately  above  the  inscription  on  the  tomb  of 
these  two  worthy  citizens,  the  arms  of  Richard  Bultingfort 
are  cut  in  a  slab,  viz.,  a  fess  engrailed  with  a  label  of  five 
points  in  chief,  and  over  the  arms  the  letters  S.  R.  B. 


1  Morrin's  Calaidar  Patent  Rolls,  Vol.  i. 


p.  422. 


MEDIEVAL   RELIGIOUS    FOUNDATIONS.  385 

(Scutum  Richardi  Bultingfort),  a  little  to  the  left  are  the 
arms  of  Geoffrey  Galway,  viz.,  a  cross  with  a  bend, 
differencing  these  arms  from  those  of  De  Burgo,  empaling 
a  double-headed  eagle  for  Stritch,  over  them  are  the  letters 
S.  G.  G.  (Scutum  Galfridi  Galway)  ;  a  short  distance  to 
the  right  are  the  arms  of  Edmund  Galway  empaling  a 
chevron  between  three  clarions  for  Arthur.  Over  these 
are  the  arms  of  John  Galway,  quarterly  first  and  fourth 
for  Galway  ;  on  the  fourth  is  a  bridge  turretted  a  grant 
of  arms  made  to  John  de  Burgo,  an  ancestor  of  the 
Galways,  for  his  gallant  defence  of  Ball's  Bridge  against 
the  O'Briens  about  the  middle  of  the  fourteenth  century. 
Second  quarter  for  Bultingfort,  third  for  Stritch, 
surmounted  by  a  cat-a-mountain,  and  underneath  the 
inscription  : — 

Lumina  quae  Rector 
Tua  cernunt  hisce  Johanni 
Muris  sculpta  sacris 
Quadrant   insignia    Galway. 

The  Limerick  branch  of  the  Galway  family  is  extinct, 
and  though  the  name  of  Bultingfort  is  extinct  in  Limerick 
it  is  still  found  in  the  neighbourhood  of  New  Pallas. 

During  Bishop  O'Dea's  episcopacy  the  work  of  beauti- 
fying and  adorning  the  cathedral  was  carried  on  by  pious 
citizens,  notably  Thomas  Arthur,  who  was  Mayor  in 
1421  and  1426.  Aided  by  his  wife  Johanna,  daughter 
of  David  Murigagh  or  Miagh,  he  built  at  his  own  expense 
the  eastern  front  and  a  costly  wrought  window,  also 
caused  his  armorial  bearings,  a  chevron  between  three 
clarions,  to  be  carved  on  the  western  door,  and  the 
southern  with  those  of  his  wife's  family — three  escallops  ;. 
"  not  through  a  spirit  of  vain  glory,  but  in  order  that 
others  hereafter  should  imitate  the  memorials  of  their 
piety."  Their  arms  are  still  to  be  seen  on  the  buttresses 
of  the  north  and  south  sides  of  the  chancel. 

2  c 


3^6  DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 

During  the  episcopate  of  John  Folan  (1489-1521), 
the  nave  of  the  church  was  repaired  by  the  citizens. 
Several  additions  were  also  made  ;  the  large  chapel  that 
runs  parallel  to  the  transept  and  the  smaller  chapel 
beside  it  ;  on  the  south  side  two  side  chapels. 

At  this  time  it  was  customary  to  apply  the  fines 
enforced  by  the  Mayor  to  the  repairs  of  the  cathedral. 
In  1501  the  Mayor  made  collections  to  put  the  church  in 
proper  repair,  and  again  in  1505  William  Harold,  Mayor, 
levied  several  taxes  for  the  same  purpose.  In  the  nor- 
thern transept  there  is  a  triple  arched  recess  containing 
the  epitaph  of  Geoffrey  Arthur,  the  reading  of  which 
puzzled  some  of  our  historians.  The  correct  reading  was 
first  given  by   Mr.  Maurice  Lenihan,i  and  is  as  follows  : — 

Hie  jacet  in  tumuli  fundo  sublatus  a  mundo  Galfridus 
Arture  thesaurius  quondam  istius  Ecclesiae  XVI.  luce  Maya 
requievit  in  pace  perpetua  Anno  crucifixi  Domini,  1519. 
Tu  transiens  cave  qui  hie  dices  pater  et  ave. 

Here  lies  in  the  bottom  of  the  tomb  removed  from  the 
world  Geoffrey  Arthur,  formerly  treasurer  of  this  church.  He 
rested  in  perpetual  peace  on  the  i6th  of  May,  in  the  year  of  our 
crucified  Lord,  1519.  You  who  pass  by  take  heed  that  you 
say  a  Pater  and  Ave. 

Geoffrey  was  treasurer  before  the  year  i486,  as  we 
have  already  seen.     • 

There  is  another  epitaph  close  to  Geoffrey's  which 
runs  as  follows  : — 

Hie  jacet  Reverendus  Joannes  Ffox  quondam  praepositus 
Sanctae  Crucis  qui  diem  clausit  supremum  XXVIII.  die 
mensis  Augusti  Ano  Dni  MDXIX.  Cujus  animae  propicietur 
Deus. 

Here  lies  the  Rev.  John  Ffox,  formerly  Provost  of  HoI\- 

1  See  History  of  Limerick,  p.  578. 


GEOFFREY    ARTHUR'S   TOMB,    ST.    MARY  S   CATHEDRAL. 


•^  MEDIEVAL    RELIGIOUS    FOUNDATIONS.  387 

Cross,  who  died  on  the  28th  of  August,  a.d.  1519  ;  on  whose 
soul  the  Lord  have  mercy. 

This  is  the  Prior  Fox  referred  to  in  the  inquisition 
held  about  the  monastery  of  St.  Mary  and  Holy  Cross. 
We  have  now  brought  the  history ^down  to  the  eve  of  the 
Reformation,  the  limit  we  proposed  to  ourselves.  The 
cathedral  was  dedicated  to  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary  on 
the  15th  August,  on  which  day  the  office  of  dedication 
was  celebrated  in  the  city  with  an  octave,  and  without 
an  octave  in  the  diocese. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

INISCATHAY    (SCATTERY   ISLAND). 

In  the  early  portion  of  this  work  I  have  dwelt  at  some 
length  on  the  connection  between  Iniscathay  and  the 
Hy  Fidhgente.  At  the  Synod  of  Rathbreasail  (a.d.  mo) 
the  See  of  Iniscathay  was  suppressed,  and  its  possessions 
divided  among  the  dioceses  of  Killaloe,  Ardfert,  and 
Limerick. 1  The  island  itself  being  a  part  of  the  old 
territory  of  H\-  Fidhgente  naturally  went  with  the 
diocese  of  Limerick,  and  Harris  confirms  this  view.^ 

After  the  death  of  Gillebert,  Bishop  of  Limerick, 
owing  to  the  confusion  of  the  times,  the  See  of  Iniscathay 
was  again  revived,  but  after  the  death  of  Hugh  O'Beaghan 
in  1189  it  disappears  as  a  bishopric.  The  same  year 
Donald  More  O'Brien  made  a  grant  to  Clare  Abbey, 
and  one  of  the  townlands  mentioned  in  the  Charter  is^ 
Inisketty,  which  is  identified  by  some  authorities  with 
Iniscathay.  It  would  appear  from  the  Charter  that 
Inisketty  was  a  townland  near  the  abbey,  and  the 
apparent  resemblance  of  the  words  Inisketty  and  Inis- 
cathy  is  rather  a  slender  basis  to  built  an  argument 
in  favour  of  Iniscathay  being  assigned  to  the  diocese 
of  Killaloe  by  Donald  More  O'Brien.  Another  popular 
error  of  the  same  kind  may  also  be  noticed  here,  namely, 
the  identification  of  the  Augustinian  ]\Ionastery  of 
Inisgad  with   Iniscathay. 

Inisgad  is  in  reality  Canon's  Island,  monasterium 
de  Inisgad,  Inischane  alias  Canon's  Island,  "  mon'  de 
Inisgad   alias   Insula   Canonicor."  ^ 

The    following    references    to    Iniscatliay    are    given 

1  Ussher,  Primord,  p.  875. 

2  Ware's  Bishops  of  Limerick,  p.  502. 

3  Procurations,  Reg.  of  Cashel,  etc.,  1571.     P.R.O.I.,  pp.  154,  168, 


INISCATHAY.  3^9 

here  in  chronological  order  to  enable  the  reader  to 
examine  for  himself  the  original  documents  bearing  on 
the  medieval  history  of  this  holy  island.  In  an  inqui- 
sition taken  in  the  year  1201,  relative  to  the  episcopal 
property  of  the  diocese  of  Limerick,  half  of  Iniscathay 
(dimidia  pars  de  Inisyscathidch)  with  its  appurtenances 
is  mentioned  as  belonging  to  it.i 

Richard  de  London  was  guardian  of  Iniscathay  some 
time  before  1290. 

1290.  Richard  le  Chaplain  was  guardian,  and  held 
that  office  in  the  year  1295. 

1358.  About  this  year,  one  Thomas,  a  conventual 
Franciscan  of  the  convent  of  Nenagh,^  was  appointed 
Bishop  of  Cathy  (Iniscathay)  by  Innocent  VI,  who  wrote 
Thomas  a  letter  dated  1360  commanding  him  to  proceed 
to  his  diocese.  Evidently  he  was  loitering  about  the 
Papal  court. 3 

1361.  Thomas  addressed  a  petition  to  Innocent  VI 
stating  that  though  he  was  canonically  appointed  to 
the  See  of  Iniscathay,  yet  Thomas,  Bishop  of  Killaloe  ; 
Stephen  of  Limerick,  John  of  Ardfert,  and  .  .  . 
Cloyne  jointly  and  severally  maintaining  that  the  church 
of  Iniscathay  was  not  a  cathedral,  hindered  and  still 
hinders  the  said  Thomas  from  exercising  his  functions 
as  bishop  or  receiving  any  rents  or  revenue  ;  they  also 
accused  him  of  many  crimes  and  misdeeds.  Innocent 
commissioned  George,  Archbishop  of  Cashel,  to  summon 
the  parties  concerned,  and  to  ascertain  if  Iniscathay 
be  a  cathedral  church  and  for  how  long  a  time,  whether 
it  had  a  district,  city,  and  diocese  of  its  own,  whether 
it  had  other  bishops,  and  who  they  were.*  The  arch- 
bishop and  Pope  died  shortly  after,  and  the  investigation 
was  not  carried  out. 


1  B.B.L.,  p.   14.  *  Theiner. 

2  Papal  Letters,  Rolls  Series,  1363.  *  Idem. 


390 


DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 


1363.  Accordingly  Urban  V,  the  next  Pope,  instructed 
the  Bishop  of  Lismore  to  make  the  enquiries  which  the 
archbishop  was  commissioned  to  make,  and  report  the 
result  to  the  Holy  See.  The  report,  if  it  were  made, 
has  not  been  preserved.  However,  in  a  hst  of  the 
dioceses  mentioned  in  1377  as  being  subject  to  Cashel 
the  name  of  Iniscathay  does  not  occur.i 

Thomas  may  have  been  a  native  of  West  Clare,  and 
member  of  an  influential  family,  to  say  he  was  able  ta 
revive  the  bishopric  even  for  a  short  time.  In  this  year 
Thomas  petitioned  the  Holy  See  for  the  following 
privileges  which   were   granted  to  him  : — 

(i)  For  a  relaxation  of  seven  years  and  seven  quad- 
ragena  of  enjoined  penance  to  penitents  who  visit  the 
cathedral  on  the  seven  feast  days  of  our  Lord,  and  on 
the  five  feasts  of  the  B.V.  Mary,  those  of  Corpus  Christi, 
St.  Michael,  St.  John  the  Baptist,  the  Apostles  Peter 
and  Paul,  All  Saints,  St.  Patrick,  and  St.  Senan  to 
whom  the  church  is  dedicated,  and  St.  Brendan  and 
during  their  octaves.  Granted  for  a  year  and  a 
quadragena. 

(2)  Licence  to  create  two  notaries.     Granted. 

(3)  For  plenary  remission  at  hour  of  death.    Granted- 

(4)  Whereas  there  is  a  great  mortality  in  Ireland, 
especially  in  Connaught,  Thomond,  Kerry,  and  Desmond, 
he  prays  for  power  to  absolve  at  the  hour  of  death  aU 
those  who  labour  in  said  lands  as  long  as  the  mortaUty 
lasts.     Granted   for   four   months  during  the  epidemic. 

1397.  To  the  abbot  of  the  Augustinian  Monastery 
of  Clare  (de  Forgio)  and  the  Archdeacon  of  Killaloe, 
a  mandate  to  collate  and  assign  Maurice  O'Kearmada, 
clerk  of  the  same  diocese,  to  the  canonry  and  prebend 
of  Iniscathay,  diocese  of  Killaloe,  value  30   marcs,  void 

1  Theiner. 


INISCATHAY.  39 1 

by  Thomas  O'Grady  contracting  marriage,  although 
Matthew    MacNamara  detains  same.i 

1400.  Confirmation  at  petition  of  Prior  John  Hogan 
and  chapter,  and  perpetual  chaplains  of  the  secular 
and  collegiate  church  major  of  St.  Senan  Iniskathis, 
in  the  diocese  of  Killaloe,  of  the  immemorial  foundation 
of  the  said  church  by  certain  devout  nobles  of  those 
parts  in  honour  of  God,  St.  Mary  the  Virgin,  and  the 
said  St.  Senan,  of  its  subsequent  erection  b}?-  them  into 
a  collegiate  church,  and  its  endowment  for  a  prior  and 
twenty-four  perpetual  chaplains,  with  lands,  glebes, 
meadows,  fisheries,  and  other  goods.  2 

1400.  Relaxation  of  seven  years  and  seven  quad- 
ragena  of  enjoyed  penance  to  the  penitents,  who  on  the 
principal  feasts  of  the  year,  All  Saints,  and  Octaves  of 
certain  of  them,  the  six  days  of  Whitsun  Week,  and  one 
hundred  days  to  those  who  visit  and  give  alms  for  the 
conservation  of  the  collegiate  church  called  Major  of 
St.  Senan  Iniskaithig  in  the  diocese  of  Killaloe. 

1405.  A  mandate  to  the  Bishop  of  Killaloe,  the  abbot 
of  Inisgad,  in  the  diocese  of  Killaloe,  and  John  O'Longan, 
Canon  of  Killaloe,  to  collate  and  assign  to  Donatus 
MacMahon,  clerk  of  noble  birth,  the  canonry  and 
prebend  of  Iniscathig,  diocese  of  Killaloe,  void  by  the 
death  of  Matthew  MacNamara. 

1408.  Alan  Lynch  was  guardian  of  the  collegiate 
church  of  Iniscathay  in  the  diocese  of  Limerick. ^ 

141 1.  Robert  Kelly  received  a  mandate  from  Rome 
to  summon  John  Hogan,  prior  of  the  secular  and 
collegiate  church  of  St.  Senan  Inyskathagh,  and  others 
concerned  ;  and  if  he  find,  as  the  Pope  has  heard,  that 
John  was  guilty  of  the  immorality  which  is  alleged 
against    him,    to    deprive    him  ;    and    collate    Cornelius 

1  Bliss,  Papal  Letters,  Roll  Series. 

-i  Ibid. 

3  Brady,  Episcopal  Succession,  Vol.  ii..  p.  ^^. 


392  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

Lynch,  perpetual  vicar  of  Kilrush,  to  the  said  priorship 
which  has  care,  and  is  the  principal  dignity  in  the  said 
church.  1 

1418.  Eccia.  ade  Iniscathigh  cu]us  Rector  Precentor  et 
Communitas  Eaglas  Montin,  et  presentat  apud  Iniscathigh 
Vicarium  et  facit  custodem  super  conventum  ibidem  ad 
nutum  suum  recipiendo  ecclesiastica feoda  et  conferet  xij.por- 
ciones  ex  parte  australi  et  corriget  excessus  presbiterorum 
porcionariorum,  hcet  sunt  de  facto  residentes  in  diocesi 
Artfertensi  qui  de  jure  debent  residere  personahter  in  ecclesia 
conventuali  in  diocesi  Lymericensi.  Et  ego  [CorneHus  O'Dea 
Dei  et  apostolicae  sedis  gratia]  Episcopus  Lymericensis  feoffavi 
Domino  Gilberto  O'Cathill  (quondam  ibi  Vicario  de  terris 
spectantibus  ad  ecclesiam  Lymericensem  existentibus  in 
insula  de  Iniskathi  quas  recuperavi  per  inquisicionem  me 
captum  quie  non  fuerunt  ante  me  per  multos  annos  in 
possessione  ecclesie)  sub  hac  forma  viz',  quod  dictus  dominus 
Gilbert  heredes  sui  et  assignati  mihi  sive  successoribus  meis 
canonice  intrantibus  debent  solvere  singuhs  annis  nomine 
annui  redditus  a  xij''.  medietatem  viz',  ad  Pascha  et  aliam 
medietatem  ad  festum  Sei  Michaehs  et  quacunque  prima 
nocte  delinavero  ad  dictam  insulam  vel  successores  mei  dec- 
linaverint  debent  nos  reficere  in  esculentis  et  poculentis  et 
omnibus  ahis  necessariis,  et  deinde  quamdiu  moram  traxero 
ibidem  vel  dicti  successores  mei  traxerint  ignem  lumen  et 
stramina  ministrare  debent  [eorum]  id  2  propriis  sumptibus 
et  expensis  et  cariare  nobis  victualia  per  aequam  in  expens[is] 
nostris  ac  in  naviculis  et  laboribus  ipsorum  de  Lymer  et  aliis 
[villisj  foralibus  dicte  nostre  Diocesis  et  de  Iniska thigh  siti 
modo  ad  omnia  maneria  nostra  de  Leamkaill  Drumdile 
Moungrett  et  L>Tner.3 

1  Bliss,  Papal  Letters,  Rolls  Series. 

2  '•  Id"  is  not  in  White's  copy. 

3  This  Latin  document  is  the  last  entry  in  the  Procuration  or 
Proxy  Rolls  of  the  diocese  given  in  the  middle  of  this  work.  The 
text  is  no  longer  legible  in  the  Black  Book,  but  has  been  preserved 
in  the  Little  Black  Book  made  by  Bernard  Adams,  Protestant  Bishop 
of  Limerick  (1604- 162 5).  Dr.  Reeves  made  a  copy  of  it  which  may 
be  seen  in  his  MS.  notes  on  the  Black  Book  in  Trinity  College,  Dublin. 


INISCATHAY.  393 

Translation 

The  church  of  Iniscathy,  the  rector  whereof  is  the  pre- 
centor, and  the  dean  and  chapter  Eaglas  Montin  {i.e.  the 
Church  of  the  Little  Bogi),  and  he  (precentor)  presents  the 
vicar  at  Iniscathy  and  appoints  the  guardian  to  the  convent 
there  for  the  purpose  of  receiving  the  ecclesiastical  dues 
there,  and  confers  twelve  portions  on  the  south  side,  and 
corrects  the  excesses  of  the  portionary  priests,  who  in  fact 
reside  in  the  diocese  of  Ardfert,  ought  by  right  to  reside 
personally  in  the  conventual  church  in  the  diocese  of 
Limerick. 

And  I,  Cornelius  O'Dea,  by  the  grace  of  God  and  the 
Apostolic  See,  have  enfeoffed  Mr.  Gilbert  O'Cathill,  once 
vicar  there,  with  lands  belonging  to  the  church  of  Limerick 
in  the  island  of  Iniskathi  which  I  have  recovered  by  in- 
quisition made  by  me,  and  which  for  many  years  before  me 
have  not  been  in  the  possession  of  the  church.  The  form 
of  enfeoffment  is  this,  viz.,  that  Mr.  Gilbert,  his  heirs,  assigns 
must  pay  to  me  and  my  successors,  canonically  entering 
(the  island),  every  year  as  an  annual  rent  T2c/.,  viz.,  one  half 
at  Easter  and  one  half  at  the  feast  of  St.  Michael ;  and  what- 
ever night  I  or  my  successors  shall  put  into  said  island  they 
should  refresh  us  with  meat  and  drink  and  all  other  necessary 

The  portion  of  this  document  beginning  "  Et  ego  Cornelius"  was  copied 
by  Dr.  Jasper  White  from  the  original  Roll  in  the  Black  Book  as  he 
himself  informs  us  ■.^'■'  Quod  dictum  est  legi  in  rotulo  antiquo  in 
libro  nigro  Epuum.  Lem.  in  tempore  Joannis  Quin  primi  Protestant! 
Epi  Lim.in  crastino  Michaeli  Archangeli  anno  Dni  1542.  Ideo  nescio 
quo  jure  dicitur  Iniscatha  modo  pertinere  ad  Epum  Laonenseni." 
White  was  mistaken  as  regards  the  religion  of  John  Quin.  The  parts 
inserted  in  the  above  text  in  square  brackets  are  taken  froin  White's 
copy,  the  round  brackets  are  thus  marked  in  White's  copy. 

If  the  reader  consults  the  Proxy  List  given  in  the  body  of  this 
work  he  will  observe  that  the  "  Precentor  and  Communitas  "  had 
joint  interests  in  the  church  of  Kilmurely  immediately  preceding 
the  church  of  Iniscathy,  also  in  other  churches  in  the  decanate  of 
Rathkeale.  It  is  only  natural  to  conclude  the  Precentor  and  Com- 
munitas in  reference  to  Iniscathay  are  the  same  body,  and  have  the 
same  meaning.  It  may  also  be  remarked  that  in  the  Proxy  List  the 
bishop's  relations  to  churches  connected  with  religious  orders  are 
precisely  defined. 

1  See  Joyce,  Irish  Names  of  Places. 


394  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

things,  and  as  long  thereafter  as  I  or  my  successors  should 
tarry  therein  they  shall  supply  fire,  light  and  straw  at  their 
own  cost  and  expense,  and  carry  us  victuals  by  water  at 
our  own  expense,  and  in  boats  and  by  labourers  of  their 
own  from  Limerick  and  the  out  villages  of  our  said  diocese, 
and  from  Iniscathigh  in  like  manner  to  all  our  manors  of 
Leamkyle  (Loughill),  Dromidle  (Toomdeely).  Mungret,  and 
Limerick. 

1427.  Two  Bulls,  viz.,  one  regarding  certain  perpetual 
portion  in  the  church  of  Inj^skathayg,  and  the  perpetual 
vicarage  of  the  parochial  church  of  Dunmylyn  (Dun- 
moylan),  dioceses  of  Killaloe  and  Limerick,  the  other 
regarding  a  new  provision  for  the  said  portion,  and  the 
perpetual  vicarage  of  the  parochial  church  of  Kylladmyr 
(Killimer),  said  diocese  of  Killaloe,  for  Roderick  O'Lynch, 
value  6  marcs.  1 

1429.  A  Bull  for  Donald  O'Gillasenayn,  super 
sacristia  church  of  Inyschathayg.2     Diocese  of  Killaloe. 

1432.  The  first  fruits  of  the  canonry  of  Inyskathayg, 
valued  at  32  marcs.     Diocese  of  Killaloe, 

1446.  John  Mackehecayn,  principal,  bound  himself 
to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the  first  fruits  of  the 
guardianship  of  the  church  of  Altoangelorum  (Height 
of  the  x\ngels)  of  the  church  of  Inyskagay  (custodie  ecc". 
de  Innyskagay  de  Altoangelorum),  diocese  of  Limerick 
value  8  marcs,  vacant  by  the  privation  of  Donald 
O'Kinella. 

1445.  Connor,  son  of  O'Connor  Kerry,  was  slain  by 
his  kinsman,  Mahon  O'Connor,  as  both  were  going  in 
a  boat  to  the  island  of  Iniscathay. 

1505.  Thatheus  O'Karla,  cleric  of  the  diocese,  Ard- 
fert,  bound  himself  to  the  Apostolic  Chamber  for  the 
first  fruits  of  the  guardianship  of  the  church  de  Alto- 
angelorum (Height  of  Angels),  diocese  of  Limerick,  value 

1  First  Fruits,  Diocese  of  Killaloe.  2  /^;V/ 


INISCATHAY.  395 

12  marcs.     Tatheus  promised  to    pay  the    collector    "  in 
partibus    juxta    morum   Hybernicorum." 

1576.  The  following  Inquisition  was  taken  relative 
to  the  island  of  Iniscathy,  viz.  : — 

Copy  Exchequer  Ixquisitiox,   Co.   Limerick.     No.   2   of 
OuEEx  Elizabeth. 

Inquisition  taken  before  John  Miagh  of  Corke,  gent., 
secondaire  justice  of  the  province  of  Mounstef,  Willm  Apsley, 
sherief  of  the  countie  of  Limerike  ;  Thomas  Arthor,  recorder 
of  Her  Maty  cittie  of  Eimerike  ;  and  David  Harrold  of  the 
same  cittie,  citizen,  by  vertue  of  her  Maty,  comission  directed 
unto  them  for  inquiring  and  surveing  of  all  her  Highnes 
possessions  messuages,  lands,  and  tenenanty  in  the  Island 
of  Innesvattye,  uppon  the  river  of  Limerike  aforesaid,  as 
by  the  said  comission  bearing  date  the  xiiijth  day  of  November 
in  the  xviijth  yeare  of  the  reigne  of  our  Souaigne  ladie  Oueene 
Elizabeth,  Oueene  of  England,  Ffrance  and  Ireland,  defender 
of  the  faith,  etc.,  more  at  large  appeereth  and  the  yeare  of 
our  Lord  God,  1576,  by  the  solempne  othe  of 

Myles  Arthor  of  Inneskatt}^  merchante. 

Nicholas  MahoAvxe  of  the  same,  merchante. 

Michell  Richford  of  the  same,  merchante. 

DiERMOD    O'GiLLESYXAX,    husbandman. 

Moriertagh    O'Collligax      of    the    same, 
husbandman. 

RooRY  O'Beeghax  of  the  same,  husbandman. 

Robert  Waring,  marchante. 

Gregory  Creagh,  yeoman. 

Thomas    Mahowxe,    yeoman. 

Richard  Arthur  Fitz  Myles,  marchante. 

Piers  Creagh  of  Limericke,  marchante. 

DoMXiKE  Creagh  of  the  same,  marchante. 
Being  sworn  depose  that  there  are  m  said  island  twenty- 
four  acres  of  arable  land,  of  which  there  are  in  the  occupation 
of  the  Couverbe  or  master  of  Inneskatty,  four  acres  worth 
yearly  per  acre  8d.  Irish  ;  four  acres  in  the  occupation  of  the 


39^  DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 

prior  of  the  religious  house  of  Synan  on  said  island,  of  like  value  ; 
four  acres  of  like  value  in  the  occupation  of  the  custos  oi  said 
religious  house,  and  four  acres  of  like  value  in  the  occupation 
of  the  "  sexten  ;  "  four  acres  of  like  value  in  the  occupation  of 
Nicholas  Mahowne  of  Inneskatty  ;  that  the  said  Couverbe 
or  Master  of  Inneskatty  has  in  his  occupation  a  new  castle, 
partly  built,  on  same  island,  a  small  stone  house,  three 
cottages  of  "  latche "  work,  all  valued  by  the  year 
at  los.  8d.  Irish ;  that  the  said  Couverbe  had  for 
custom  from  every  boatload  of  oysters  going  to  Limerick 
■once  every  year,  looo  oysters,  valued  yearly  at  i6  pence 
Irish  ;  also  from  every  boat  of  herrings,  500  herrings  yearly, 
at  a  price  of  i2d.  Irish  ;  that  there  are  in  the  occupation  of 
said  prior  four  small  cottages  valued  yearly  at  4s.  Irish  ; 
that  there  are  in  the  occupation  of  the  Sexten  two  cottages 
valued  yearly  at  2s.  Irish  ;  that  there  are  in  the  occupation 
of  the  Custos  four  small  cottages  valued  yearly  at  3s.  Irish  ; 
that  there  are  in  the  occupation  of  Nicholas  Mahowne  three 
small  cottages  valued  yearly  at  3s.  Irish  ;  that  there  are  in 
the  island  two  ruinous  chapels  without  cover,  valued  at 
nothing  ;  that  there  is  there  a  religious  house  called  the 
"  Howse  of  Synnan,"  under  roof  and  a  small  churchyard, 
valued  yearly  at  2s.  Irish  ;  that  there  is  a  parish  crhurch 
valued  at  nothing  ;  that  there  are  twenty  acres  of  beach  and 
stoney  ground,  valued  yearly  at  nothing,  as  they  are  neither 
pasture  nor  arable  land  ;  that  there  belongs  to  said  Couverbe 
or  Master  of  Inneskatty,  from  tithes,  altarages,  and  other 
emoluments  yearly  6s.  8d.  Irish,  as  parcel  of  said  House  of 
Synnan  ;  that  the  Sexten  has  2^-  4^.  Irish,  yearly  as  a  parcel 
of  said  House ;  that  said  Prior  has  yearly  as  parcel  of  said 
House  of  spiritual  living  within  the  island,  6s.  8d.  Irish  ;  that 
all^the  premises  came,  and  of  right  ought  to  come  to  Her 
Majesty  by  reason  of  the  dissolution  of  said  House  ;  that  in 
old  time  there  was  a  Bishoprick  of  Inneskatty,  and  the  Island 
was  parcel  of  the  temporalities  ;  that  the  last  Bishop  was 
Bishop  Mahowne  als  the  black  Bishop  (since  whose  time,  for 
100  Years  by  usurpation  and  the  disorder  of  the  country,  the 
said  bishoprick  both  temporalities  and  spiritualities  has  been 


INISCATHAY.  397 

kept  away,  by  what  title  the  jurors  know  not),  whereby  the 
island  is  in  her  Majesties'  disposition  as  parcel  of  said  bishop- 
rick,  and  afterwards  came  into  the  possession  of  the  said 
House  of  Synnan  ;  that  James  Striche  of  Limerick,  has  to  him 
and  his  heirs  a  stone  house  in  the  island  paying  I2d.  yearly 
to  the  Bishop  of  Limerick  ;  that  there  is  in  the  ocupation  of 
Myles  Arthur  and  Nicholas  Mahowne  another  stone  house  of 
the  Yearly  value  (the  cellar  and  upper  part)  of  4s.  Irish  ; 
that  there  is  neither  wood,  moor,  or  turf,  on  the  island  ;  that 
the  said  island  is  in  the  county  of  Limerick  and  parcel  thereof. 
Subscribed  by  the  Commissioners  and  sealed  by  the 
Jurors. 

John  MyagheWyltm  Apsley. 

Th.  Arthure  David  Harolde,  Shireffe. 

1581.  The  Corbe  of  St.  Senan,  Clavagh  MacCahan, 
died.i 

1583.  Honora,  the  daughter  of  O'Donnell,  son  of 
Conor,  son  of  Turlough  O'Brien,  and  wife  of  O'Conor 
Kerry,  died,  and  was  buried  in  Iniscathay.- 

1591.  Margaret,  the  daughter  of  Donnell,  son  of 
Conor,  son  of  Toulough,  son  of  Brian  an  Aenaigh 
O'Brien,  and  wife  of  Turlough  the  son  of  Brian,  son  of 
Donnough  MacMahon,  died  at  Cill-Mic-Dubhain,  and 
was  interred  at  Iniscathay.^ 

1604.  Inquisition  : — 

Inquisicio  Indentata  capt  apud  villa  de  dare  in  com 
Glare  vicessimo  spetimo  die  Octobris  anno  Domini  1604 
annogz  regni  serenissimi  regis  nri  Jacobi  Dei  gratia  Anglie 
fframe  et  Hibnie  secundo  et  soccie  triscassimo  octano  coram 
Nicholao  Kenny  armiger  gennali  escaetor  et  ffeodario  diet 
dni  Regis  in  et  p  totu  Regnu  suu  Hibnie  predict  per  Edmund 
Copinger  genr  deputat  prefat  Nicholai  in  officio  Escaetor 
et^ffeodar    predict     per     Sacramentu     proboru     et    legaliu 

^  Anns.  Four  Masters.  ^  Ibid.  ^  Ibid. 


■398  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

hominu   de    com     predict    virtute  officii    predict    vidz   per 
Sacramentum. 

Connor  McBrodyn  de  Moyvoe,  gen. 
Owen  McCahan  de  Lyslonoghan,  gen. 
Thomas  McMortaghe  Caine  de  Scian,  gen. 
Riccard  McGillemogha  de  Lyskyloge,  gen. 
Shean  reoghe  O'Tyerny  de  Tullynan,  gen. 
Morroghe  ]\IcCassy  de  Carren,  gen. 
^  Dermod   ■McMoroghe  de  Ballynecally,  gen. 

William  Xelan  de  Kilcaharaghe,  gen. 
Nicholas  Comyn  de  Lyscamire,  gen. 
Donnoghe  O'Loghlyn  de  Ballynehinchy,  gen. 
Mahon  McEnchroy  de  One,  gen. 
Donill  boy  O'Nelan  de  Kearrowkerry,  gen. 
Shean  McBrody  de  Kilkea,  gen. 
Cowvarry  McMahonge  de  Cowl  [.  .  .],  gen. 
Gilleduffe  McConoghdr  de  Gleandroe  gen. 
Donill  O'AIollawne  de  Direghloe,  gen. 

Et  predict  jm'at  dicunt  quod  Shinan  McGirrygine  quondam 
-episcopus  de  Iniskaha  in  com  predict  fuit  seisitus  in  dominico 
suo  ut  de  feodo  de  sexdecim  quarteriis  sine  carucat  terre 
de  quibus  tres  quarterie  terre  jacent  in  Killtylline  in  Baronia 
de  Clonederala  in  com  predict  et  tres  quarterie  terr  de  predict 
sexdecim  quarteriis  terre  jacent  in  Beallantallinge  in  Baronia 
de  Moyfarttie  in  com  predict  et  quatuor  quarterie  terre 
vocantur  Kilrushe  in  com  predict,  de  predict  sexdecim 
quarteriis  terre,  et  quarteria  sine  carucat  terre  de  predictis 
sexdecim  quarteriis  terre  vocat  Killygillaghe  et  Moyhassy 
in  Baronia  de  Moyfarttie  predict  et  due  quarterie  terre  de 
predict  sexdecim  quarteriis  terre  vocate  Kilcorridan  in 
predict  Baronia,  que  quidem  sexdeciam  quarterie  terre 
vulgariter  et  Hibernice  vocantur  tarremon  Shina  vidz  terre 
primis  libere  donat  et  mortificat  per  prefat  shinan  ecclesie 
ad  pios  usus  sive  ad  sprituale  intenciore.  Et  quod  prefatus 
Shinan  sic  inde  seisitus  existenc  dedit  et  donavit  pdict  sex- 
decim quarterias  terre  fraternitat  et  societati  tregent  trui 
chanonu  et  successor  suoeu  comoranciu  in  Iniskahae  predict 


INISCATHAY.  399 

ad  intencione  quod  predict  chanones  et  successores  suid  de. 
tempore  in  tempus  et  inppetuu  serirrent  Deo  obtimo  maximo 
€t  res  sacras  de  tempore  in  tempus  et  inppetuu  agerent  apu 
Iniskahae   predict   et   quod   Mauricius   modo   nuc   episcopus 
de   Killalowe  in  com  predict  ex  assensu  decani  et  capituli 
ejusdem  dioc  dedit   Johani    O'Gegyuu  de    Beallatallinge   is 
com  predict  tres   quarterias  de  predict  sexdecim  quarteriis 
terre  jacent  in  Beallatallinge  predict  pro  termino  sexaginta 
annoru  non  du  finiendorn  sicut  per  factu  predict  episcopi 
gerens  datu  decimo  die  Junii  1595  magis  plane  liquet.     Et 
quod  prefatus  episcopus  ex  assensu  decani  et  capituli  predict 
per   factu   suu   datu   ultimo   Marcii    1595   dedit   tres   altera- 
quarterias    terre    vocat    Killtelan    predict    que    quidem    est 
pceir   de  predict  sexdecim  quarteriis  terre  Thadeo  McGille 
hanna  de  Killtelan  predict  pro  centu  unius  annoru  nondu 
linitor  quiquidem  Thadeus  McGillahanna  nuc  existet  prior 
de    Iniskaha    predict.     Et    quod    capituli    predict    dedit    et 
confirmanit  Nicholas  Cahan  et  heredibus  suis  quatuor  quar- 
terias terre  de  Killrushe  predict.     Et  jurat  predict  dicunt 
quod    prefatus    Nicholas    vocatur    et    ancestores    sui    vocate 
fuerunt  vulgariter  Corubbne  de  Terrymone  Shynan  predict 
quod    quidem    cognomen    Anglice    interpretatur    overseeare 
and  keeper  de  predict  quatuor  quarteriis  de  Killrushe.     Et 
jurat   predict   super   sacramentu   sund  dicunt    quod   predict 
sexdecim  quarterie  terre  vulgariter  diet  Tearumon   Shynan 
sunt    forisfaet  dicto    domino    Regi    quia    datei  fuerunt    in 
mortua    manu  viz.,   fuerunt    donat    predict    fraternitat    et 
societat  chanonu  predict  et  successoru  suor  comoranciu  in 
Iniskaha   predict  contra  formam  statuti   de   terris   et   tena- 
mentis    ad   manus   mort    non   pronend'    in    hujusmodi    casu 
edict  et  promise  si  prefatus  Mauricius  Episcopus  de  Killalowe 
non  habet  ad  ostendendu  licencia  de  mortmaun  p  Iras  patentes 
diet  domini  Regis  aut  per  Iras  patentes  nobiliu  progenitoru 
diet  domini  Regis  ad  acquirendu  preditas  sexdecim  quarterias 
terre.     Et    quod    quelibet    quarteria    de    predict     sexdecim 
quarteriis  terre  valet  per  annu  ultra  reprisas  tres  denariso 
sterlingor  currentis  monet  Anglic. 

In  cuiu?  rei  testimoniu  tam  prefatus  Nicholas     Kenny 


40O  DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 

per    prefatu    suu    deputatu    qm    predict    jura  tor    sigilla    sua 
huic  apposuerunt  datu  die  anno  et  loco  quibus  surpa. 

Edmond  Coppinger,  Dep.  Escaetor 
[in  dorso.] 

Delibatur  p  manus  Rolandi  Delahude  svientis  pobile  com 
Donogho  Thomonie  8  May,  1605. 

Having  now  set  forth  all  the  information  that  I 
could  find  regarding  Iniscathay  as  far  as  the  year 
1604,  a  few  observations  are  necessary  to  explain  how 
it  is  at  one  time  mentioned  as  belonging  to  the  diocese 
of  Killaloe  and  at  another  to  Limerick. 

The  Inquisition  of  1576  states  that  there  was  a 
custos  or  guardian,  prior,  coarb,  and  chaplains  con- 
nected \\ith  the  collegiate  church  of  St.  Senan  on  the 
island. 

The  Custos  or  Guardian. 

The  guardian  is  referred  to  as  early  as  the  closing 
years  of  the  thirteenth  century,  and  his  duties  are  de- 
fined in  the  Proxy  Roll  of  1418,  as  being  the  collector 
of  the  ecclesiastical  fees  for  the  precentor  of  the  diocese 
of  Limerick,  who  had  the  right  of  appointing  him. 
Whenever  the  guardian  of  the  collegiate  or  conventual 
church  of  Iniscathy  is  referred  to,  he  is  always  set  down 
as  in  the  diocese  of  Limerick. 


The  Canonry  of  Iniscathay. 

The  canonry  of  Iniscathay  is  always  mentioned  as 
belonging  to  the  diocese  of  Killaloe,  and  received  the 
title  from  the  fact  that  the  canonry  was  endowed  with 
some  possessions  of  the  See  of  Iniscathy,  after  its  sup- 
pression, that  lay  within  the  territorial  boundaries  of 
Killaloe. 


INISCATHAY.  4OI 


The  Prior  ship. 


In  the  year  1400,  for  the  first  time  we  find  mention 
of  the  prior  of  Iniscathay,  when  John  Hogan,  prior, 
together  with  the  chapter  and  perpetual  chaplains  of  the 
collegiate  church  of  Iniscathy,  in  the  diocese  of  Killaloe, 
got  a  confirmation  of  the  endowments  to  this  church 
from  Rome.  In  another  document  of  the  year  1400 
the  collegiate  church  is  referred  to  as  being  in  the  diocese 
of  Killaloe. 

In  141 1  a  serious  charge  was  brought  against  Prior 
Hogan,  and  in  the  charge  the  olfice  of  prior  was  said  to 
be  the  principal  dignity  in  said  church  and  had  the  cure, 
i.e.,  the  care  of  souls.  From  this  it  may  be  inferred 
that  Hogan's  title  of  prior  was  one  that  came  down 
from  olden  times,  and  that  he  had  the  whole  or  part 
of  the  possessions  that  were  attached  to  the  title  which 
were  at  the  Clare  side  of  the  Shannon,  and  immediately 
under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Bishop  of  Killaloe  where 
the  prior  lived,  although  he  had  some  property  also  on 
the  island.  It  must  be  remembered  that  it  was  in  the 
year  1400  the  collegiate  church  of  Iniscathay  is  men- 
tioned as  being  in  the  Killaloe  diocese,  and  in  that  same 
year  Peter  Curragh  resigned  the  diocese  of  Limerick,, 
and  of  necessity  an  interregnum  must  have  intervened 
before  Cornehus  O'Dea  was  appointed  which  gave 
Prior  Hogan  an  opportunity  for  representing  the  collegiate 
church  as  in  the  diocese  of  Killaloe  without  fear  of 
contradiction. 

In  the  Inquisition  of  1604  the  position  of  the  prior 
is  pretty  clearly  defined,  as  the  land  he  rented  from  the 
Protestant  bishop  was  no  doubt  part  of  the  lands  he 
or  his  predecessor  held  by  right  of  his  title  as  prior  of 
Iniscathay. 


402  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK, 

The  Coarb. 

In  the  Inquisition  of  1604,  Nicholas  Cahan  and  his 
ancestors  were  called  "  corrubbues  "  of  the  termon  of 
Senan  or  of  the  sixteen  quarters  of  land  in  the  diocese 
of  Killaloe,  and  which  was  ecclesiastical  property.  The 
coarb  resided  on  these  lands,  and  when  the  change  of 
rehgion  came  about  Cahan  had  to  rent  his  portion  of 
the  Termon  from  the  Protestant  bishop,  who  became  the 
landlord  under  the  new  regime.  The  office  of  the  coarb 
came  down  from  remote  times  and  seemed  to  be  hereditary 
in  the  family  of  the  Cahans. 

The  Portionary  Clergy. 

The  portionary  were  bound  to  actual  residence  in 
the  collegiate  church  on  the  island,  and  as  such  were 
in  the  diocese  of  Limerick  and  subject  to  the  bishop, 
and  no  one  knew  their  position  better  than  Cornelius 
O'Dea,  who  had  been  Archdeacon  of  Killaloe,  before 
becoming  Bishop  of  Limerick.  As  the  Inquisition  of 
1604  states,  they  had  to  devote  their  time  to  religious 
duties,  and  were  maintained  no  doubt  by  contribu- 
tions of  pious  pilgrims  visiting  the  island,  also  from 
some  revenues  derived  from  the  Termon  of  Senan 
and  the  diocese  of  Limerick.  The  reference  in  1427  to 
the  "  certain  portion "  in  the  church  of  Iniscathay 
and  the  perpetual  vicarage  of  Dunmoylan  looks  hke  the 
maintenance  of  one  of  the  chaplains.  These  good 
Fathers  may  be  styled  a  community  of  Culdees,  as 
similar  bodies  that  resided  at  Clonmacnoise  and  Armagh 
were  called  and  who  maintained  their  existence  to  the 
Reformation. 

In  the  Inquisition  of  1576  it  is  stated  that  the  island 
was  in  the  county  of  Limerick,  and  was  granted  to 
the  Corporation  of  Limerick  by  Elizabeth.     During  the 


INISCATHAY.  403 

troubled  times  of  the  Tudors  and  Stuarts  the  spiritual 
wants  of  the  Cathohcs,  if  any  resided  in  the  island,  were 
attended  to  by  the  neighbouring  priest  of  Kilrush,  who 
probably  lived  there,  as  he  could  not  have  a  better 
liiding  place,  when — 

Among  the  poor 
Or  on  the  moor 
Were  hid  the  pious  and  the  true. 

In  1742  Dr.  Lacy  (1737-1759)  went  to  the  island  of 
Iniscathay  accompanied  by  Rev.  James  White,  and  re- 
covered the  island  from  the  diocese  of  Killaloe,  and 
attached  it  again  to  the  diocese  of  Limerick,  which 
White  records  in  his  MS.  Annals  of  the  Diocese  in  the 
following  words  : — ''  Circa  anno  1742  Rdissimus  D.  D. 
Robertus  Lacy  Episcopus  Limericensis  recuperavit  tunc 
insulam  de  Iniscathy  a  diocesi  Laonensi  et  eam  iterum 
adjunxit  diocesi  Limericensi  ita  testor,  Jacobus  White 
Notarius  Apost." 

Immediately  after  this  entry  Dr.  Young  inserted 
this  note  : — ''  Anno  1801  epus  Limericensis  adivit  in- 
sulam de  Iniscathy  in  qua  invenit  duas  famihas  com- 
morantes,  quas  subjecit  curae  et  jurisdictioni  Revd. 
Michaelis  Suhivan  parochi  de  BaUylongford  in  diocesi 
Kyriensi,"  i.e.,  Dr.  Young  visited  the  island  of  Iniscathy 
in  which  he  found  tw^o  families  whom  he  placed  under  the 
care  of  the  Rev.  Michael  Sulhvan,  P.P.,  BaUylongford. 

In  November  of  1801,  Dr.  Young  received  the  following 
letter  from  Father  SuUivan  giving  a  detailed  account 
of  his  missionary  labours  in  Scattery  ^  : — 

My  Lord, 

Impressed  with  every  sense  of  gratitude,  I  return  you 
my  heartful  thanks,  for  your  kindness  to  me  at  all  times, 

1  The  following  documents  are  preserved  in  a  volume  of  Dr. 
Young's  correspondence  labelled  "  Home  Correspondence,"  pp.  102-104, 
and  kindly  lent  to  me  by  the  Most  Rev.  Dr.  O'Dwyer. 


404  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

and  especially  while  on  my  late  excursion  in  your  city,  on 
my  return  from  whence  (in  consequence  of  the"  wish  you 
zealously  expressed  of  having  the  Scattery  people  properly 
attended  to),  I  immediately  dispatched  a  pious  catechist 
I  have  here  to  instruct  the  young  and  old  of  that  holy  island 
and  entreat  them  to  prepare  for  sacraments  against  last 
Wednesday,  on  which  day  Mr.  Kearney  and  I  landed  there  very 
early,  satisfied  byihe  help  of  the  Almighty,  the  good  example 
of  our  precursor  we  may  reap  a  good  harvest  in  that  little 
vineyard  of  the  Lord.  But  to  our  grief  they  would  not  hear 
to  us.  Amazed  at  the  extraordinary  change,  from  being  so- 
happy  at  being  enhghtened  and  instructed  the  last  time  we 
were  with  them,  our  poor  pious  man  informed  us  the  day 
he  was  sent,  the  Reverend  Mr.  Fitzpatrick  of  Kilrush  was 
there,  after  baptising  a  child  and  churching  the  mother, 
and  on  his  asking  what  necessity  was  there  for  sending 
for  the  coadjutor  of  Kilrush,  the  weather  being  so 
favourable,  the  child  strong,  and  the  parish  priest  willing 
to  attend  to  them,  their  answer  was,  they  did  not  know 
who  was  their  pastor,  and  during  the  twenty  days  he  re- 
mained there  he  would  not  be  attended  to,  consequently 
on  our  arrival  no  one  was  prepared  for  confession.  Still  we 
remained  until  the  following  morning,  thinking  during  that 
interval  (after  exhorting  them  thereto)  they  may  attempt 
to  make  some  reparation  and  seriously  reflect  on  their 
situations  and  our  perse verence  attempting  to  serve  them. 
The  result  of  their  nocturnal  deliberations  was  a  candid 
acknowledgment  that  their  only  motive  for  acting  in  the 
manner  they  have  was  solely  owing  to  the  Revd.  Messrs. 
Consiedin  and  Fitzpatrick  of  Kilrush,  who  have  assured! 
them  they  would  in  a  few  days  produce  a  letter  from  their 
bishop,  by  which  they  would  convince  them  they  for  certain 
were  as  usual  to  be  their  pastors. 

You  will  have  the  goodness  my  Lord  to  believe  it  is  not 
my  fault,  that  the  few  souls  you  had  the  kindness  to  commit 
to  my  care  have  not  profited  thereby.  Any  future  attempt 
on  my  part  must  in  my  opinion  be  also  fruitless  so  long 
as  the  Kilrush  clergymen  i)retend  to  any  authority  in  Scattei  y.. 


INISCATHAY.  405 

There  is  no  alternative  ;  your  Lordship  will  be  kind  enough 
to  exonerate  me  from  the  onus,  or  convince  those  clergymen 
they  cannot  ha\^e  jurisdiction  in  that  island,  in  the  latter 
case  non  recuso  labor  are,  nay  I  should  be  always  happy 
in  being  so  blessed  as  to  be  a  subject  of  yours,  and  as  such 
to  have  the  honour  of  subscribing  myself. 

Your  obliged  and  devoted  humble  servant, 

Michael  Sullivan. 
Ballylongford,  November  14th,  1801. 

Dr.   Young  wrote  the  following  note   on  the  above 
letter  :— 

Received  this  26th  or  twelve  days  after  it  was  written 
Wrote  the  same  day  to  Rev.  Mr.  Considin  that  I  exonerated 
him  from  the  care  of  the  island  which  letter  was  sent  to  the 
post  and  the  expenses  of  postage  along  with  it.  Wrote  the 
same  day  also  to  Dr.  McM.  [Dr.  MacMahon,  Bishop  of  Killaloe] 
requesting  he  would  inform  Rev.  M.  C.  of  Kilrush  that 
Scattery  made  a  part  of  the  diocese  of  Limerick  which  Dr. 
McM.  postponed  doing.  Wrote  to  Rev.  Mr.  :\IcDonnell  of 
Glin  on  the  15th  December,  commissioning  him  to  go  to  the 
island  in  my  name,  to  order  the  inhabitants  to  acknowledge 
the  jurisdiction  of  the  Rev  Mr.  Sullivan,  and  not  to  apply 
to  any  other  especially  the  Kilrush  clergy  under  pain  of 
excommunication  to  be  incurred  ipso  facto.  Desired  Mr. 
McDonnell  would  inform  me  of  the  success  of  his  mission. 

Rev.  Mr.  McDonnell's  reply  : — 

Glin, 
3is^  December,  1801. 

My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's  letter  of  the  15th  was  handed  to  me 
by  the  Rev.  :\L  Sulhvan  on  the  24th  inst.,  we  fixed  on  Monday 
29th,  to  execute  your  Lordship's  commission.  We  ac- 
cordingly arrived  about  12  o'clock  that  day,  not  being  able 
to  execute  our  business  to  my  satisfaction  as  the  principal 


4o6  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

inhabitant  had  been  in  Kilrush  accompanied  by  the  other 
inhabitant,  we  pursued  Kearney  to  Kilrush.  On  meeting 
him  I  acquainted  them  with  the  nature  of  your  Lordship's 
commission,  they  then  expressed  a  wish  to  answ^er  me  in 
the  presence  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Considin,  in  consequence  we 
called  on  Mr.  Considin  who  first  appeared  a  little  warm  on 
the  occasion,  but  when  I  insisted  on  a  decisive  answer  from 
the  people  he  cooled  and  recommended  them  to  submit 
which  they  did  and  accepted  of  Rev.  M.  Sulhvan.  In  the 
interim  he  told  them  if  his  bishop  should  qualify  him  he 
would  call  them  back  ;  though  the  holidays  were  not  all  over 
I  did  not  delay  the  execution  of  your  Lordship's  commission, 
knowing  you  wished  to  know  as  soon  as  possible  the  success 
of  the  business.  We  had  no  delay,  we  were  home  the  same 
night.  Wishing  your  Lordship  the  compliments  of  the 
season  and  man 3^  happy  years. 
I  remain,  with  the  greatest  esteem, 

Your  Lordship's  most  dutiful  and  obedient  subject, 
Michael  McDonnell  de  Glin. 

The  Rev,  M.  Sullivan  informs  Dr.  Young  how  he 
fared  with  the  Scattery  people  after  Rev.  M.  McDonnell's 
visit   to  that  island  : — 

My  Lord, 

It  is  not  owing  to  a  want  of  the  sense  of  the  honour  you 
have  done  me,  by  deigning  to  write  to  me  or  the  many  other 
favours  I  received  from  your  Lordship  ere  now,  but  to  the 
disappointments  I  met  with  in  endeavouring  to  bring  the 
good  people  of  Scattery  to  a  sense  of  the  obedience  they 
owed  their  worthy  bishop  of  which  I  could  give  your  Lord- 
ship no  proper  account  until  now,  as  they  promised  every 
submission  the  day  the  Rev.  Mr.  McDonnell  was  with  them, 
but  could  not  be  prepared  to  approach  sacraments,  they 
said,  the  day  I  then  appointed  for  them,  I  instructed  to  let 
me  know  exactly  when  they  would  be  prepared,  this  they 
assured  me  they  would  do  as  soon  as  Patrick  Kearney  (who 
seems    to    be    their    chief)  would    return  from  Limerick.     I 


INISCATHAY.  407 

received  no  account  from  them  for  a  considerable  time  after 
though  I  sent  them  different  messages  to  that  effect. 
Astonished  at  their  conduct  I  then  wrote  to  Patrick  Kearney 
and  entreated  him  to  let  me  know  when  I  should  go  to 
administer  sacraments  there  ;  no  answer  to  either.  At  last 
on  the  24th  of  May,  I  went  to  Scattery  and  enquired  of 
them,  in  as  mild  a  manner  as  I  could,  why  were  they  so 
unhappy  as  to  have  neglected  to  approach  the  fountains 
of  grace  for  so  long  a  time.  Patrick  Kearney  in  the  name 
of  the  others  assured  me  they  confessed  twice  since  Mr. 
]\IcDonnell  and  I  were  with  them  to  Mr.  Fitzpatrick  of 
Kilrush,  who  told  them  after  his  return  from  a  meeting  of  his 
clergy  that  the  jurisdiction  of  Scattery  was  not  yet  decided, 
I  enquired  if  Mr.  Considen  told  them  so,  they  answered  they 
did  not  ask  him.  T  then  described  to  them  in  as  feeling  a 
manner  as  I  was  able  of  the  impropriety  of  their  conduct, 
the  evident  danger  they  were  of  bringing  down  upon  them- 
selves the  severe  anger  of  their  worthy  bishop  who  had  the 
salvation  of  their  souls  so  much  at  heart.  The  only  apology 
they  could  make  for  their  disobedience  to  your  Lordship's 
mandate,  was  that  Mr.  Fitzpatrick  declared  to  them  that 
unless  the  jurisdiction  of  Scattery  was  totally  given  up  to 
him,  the  parish  priest,  he  would  not  come  to  them  on  any 
emergency,  that  is  to  say  in  case  there  may  be  a  dying  person, 
at  a  moment  when  they  might  have  not  time  or  could  not 
possibly  come  to  Ballylongford,  and  this  they  told  me  did 
and  may  frequently  happen,  and  therefore  they  hoped 
your  Lordship  would  leave  them  in  the  same  position  they 
were  in,  as  it  was  impossible  for  them  to  change  pastors 
without  running  the  risk  of  having  some  of  them  die  without 
the  benefit  of  sacraments,  so  I  quitted  them,  but  shall  not  let 
you  quit  attempting  to  read  this  miserable  and  tedious 
scribble  without  assuring  your  Lordship  how  much  I  am 

Your  Lordship's  ever  obliged  and  devoted  servant, 
Michael  Sullivan. 
Ballylongford,  June  yih,  1802. 


408  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

A  Petition  from  the  inhabitants  of  Scattery  to 
Dr.  Young  : — 

To  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Young,  Bishop  of  Limerick,  the 
humble  Petition  of  the  undersigned  inhabitants  of  Scattery 
island  most  humbly  showeth  that  your  Lordship's  petitioners 
feel  themselves  in  the  most  distressing  and  dangerous  con- 
dition with  respect  to  their  eternal  salvation  owing  to  your 
Lordship's  orders  preventing  them  from  any  recourse  to  the 
chapel  or  clergy  of  Kilrush  to  fulfil  the  Christian  duties 
required  of  them  by  our  holy  Church,  and  by  which  they  are 
debarred  by  the  positive  orders  of  Rev.  Mr.  Considen,  P.P. 
of  Kilrush.  Your  Lordship's  petitioners,  with  humility 
and  confidence,  beg  leave  to  remonstrate  to  your  Lordship 
that  it  is  more  than  probable  that  they  would  not  have  it 
in  their  power  to  attend  divine  service  every  eighteenth 
Sunday  throughout  the  year  if  obliged  to  attend  in  Kerry, 
and  that  the  petitioners  dread  and  shudder  at  the  painful 
thought  and  mortifying  reflection  that  they  or  theirs  may 
die  without  the  benefits  of  rites  of  that  Church  they  were 
born  in  and  hope  to  die.  Petitioners  humbly  beg  leave  to 
refer  your  Lordship  to  the  most  skilful  pilots  in  the  river 
Shannon,  whose  testimony  before  a  magistrate  (if  required) 
Petitioners  will  obtain  that  it  is  their  behef  to  the  best  of 
their  knowledge,  when  no  saihng  boat  could  cross  the  channel 
from  Ballylongford,  a  row  boat  with  ease  and  safety  could 
row  back  and  forward  from  Scattery  to  Kilrush.  Petitioners, 
from  your  Lordship's  well  known  paternal  care  of  our  holy 
Church,  submit  their  pitiful  case  to  your  humane  and 
charitable  consideration,  and  hope  for  relief  at  your  Lord- 
ship's hands  for  which  they  will  as  duty  bound  for  ever 
pray. 

Patrick  Cartney. 

Thomas  Mor[an].i 

Dr.  Young  evidently  acceded  to  this  request  and 
allowed  the  inhabitants   of  Scattery,   as  heretofore,   to 

1  The  letters  in  brackets  are  barely  readable  as  the  ink  is  faded. 


INISCATHAY.  409 

attend  Kilrush,  and  gave  the  priests  of  that  parish  the 
necessary  faculties — an  arrangement  which  is  hkely  to 
last  until  such  time  as  a  Bishop  of  Limerick  may  deem 
it  feasible  to  have  a  resident  priest  on  the  island  to 
minister  to  the  spiritual  wants  of  the  good  people  of 
that  portion  of  his  diocese. 


FINIS. 


APPENDICES. 


PEDIGREE   OF   O'DONOVAN   OF   HY  FIDHGENTE. 

{Annals  of  the  Four  Masters,  Vol.  vi.,  pp.  24,  31,  etc.) 

I.  EoGHAN  Taidhleach,  I.e.  Eoghan  the  Splendid,  otherwise 
called  Mogh  Nuadhat.  He  is  the  great  ancestor  of  the  most  dis- 
tinguished families  of  Munster,  and  is  mentioned  in  all  the  authentic 
Irish  Annals  as  the  most  powerful  man  in  Ireland,  next  after  Con  of 
the  Hundred  Battles,  with  whom  he  contended  for  the  monarchy  of 
all  Ireland.  Con,  however,  at  length  forced  him  to  quit  Ireland  ; 
and  we  are  told  that  he  sought  an  asjdum  in  Spain,  where  he  lived 
for  nine  years  in  exile,  during  which  time  he  was  employed  in  the 
khig's  army.  In  the  fourth  year  of  his  exile  the  king  gave  him 
his  daughter,  Beara,  in  marriage.  At  length  he  entered  into  a 
confederacy  with  the  king,  by  whose  co-operation  he  was  able 
to  land  a'numerous  army  of  '  Spaniards  in  Ireland.  He  put  in 
at  a  harbour  in  the  south  of  Ireland,  to  which  he  gave  the  name 
of  Beara  (now  Bearhaven),  in  honour  of  his  wife,  and,  immediately 
0:1  his  landing,  was  joined  by  his  relatives  and  a  numerous  body  of 
followers.  He  defeated  Coii  in  ten  successive  engagements,  and 
compelled  him  to  resign  all  authority  over  the  southern  half  of  Ireland, 
over  which  he  (Mogh  Nuadhat)  was  to  be  king,  independent  of  Con. 
— See  the  Annals  of  Tighernach,  at  the  year  166;  and  O'Flaherty's 
Ogygia,  Part  III.,  chap.  Ix. 

The  boundary  which  separated  these  two  divisions  (which  were 
called  Leath-Chuinn,  i.e.  Con's  half,  and  Leath-Mhogha,  i.e.  Mogh's 
half)  was  called  Eiscir-Riada,  and  extended  from  Dublin  to  Clonard, 
thence  to  Clonmacnoise,  and  Clonburren,  and  thence  across  the  pro- 
vince of  Connaught,  to  Meadhraighe,  a  peninsula  extending  into  the 
bay  of  Galway. 

This  division  of  Ireland  into  two  parts  was  observed  only  one  year, 
when,  if  we  believe  the  author  of  the  Battle  of  Magh-Leana,  Mogh 
Nuadhat  grew  discontented  when  he  observed  that  the  part  of  Dublin 
which  by  this  division  was  ceded  to  Con  was  more  advantageous 
in  the  profits  arising  from  ship  duties,  fisheries,  and  other  commercial 
emoluments  ;  in  consequence  of  which  he  demanded  half  the  revenue. 
Con  refused  to  accede  to  this  demand,  upon  which  their  hostilities 
being  renewed,  they  agreed  to  decide  the  controversy  by  a  pitched 
battle,  to  be  fought  at  ]\iagh-Leana,  now  Moylena  parish,  alias  Kilbride, 
near  Tullamore,  in  the  King's  County.  Here  the  armies  of  both 
encamped,  on  the  north  side  of  the  Eiscir-Riada,  not  far  from 
Durrow  ;  and  Con,  finding  himself  inferior  in  forces,  had  recourse  to 
stratagem  :  he  surprised  the  enemj-'s  camp  early  in  the  morning,  and 
obtained  a  victory.  Gaul,  the  son  of  Morna,  of  the  race  of  Sanbh 
(Firbolgic  king  of' Connaught),  a  distinguished  champion,  slew  Mogh 
Nuadhat,  who,  not  expecting  any  attack  from  the  enemy,  lay  asleep 
in  his  tent.     There  are  still  to  be  se^n  at  Moylena  two  tumitli,  in  one 


412  DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 

of^which  the  body  of  ]\Iogh  Nuadhat  was  interred,  and  in  the  other 
that  of  Frsch,  the  Spaniard,  his  brother-in-law.  After  this  battle 
Con  was  proclaimed  monarch  of  all  Ireland  ;  and  he  reigned  twenty 
years  in  uninterrupted  peace  and  tranquillity. 

Eoghan  Taidhleach,  or  Mogh  Nuadhat,  had  by  Beara,  his  Spanish 
wife,  two  sons:     (i)   Olioll  Olum,  the  ancestor  of  all  the  subsequent 
kings  of  Munster;  and  (2)  Lughaidh  Eagha,  a  champion  much  celebrated  1 
in   Irish  stories  for  his  extraordinary  strength,   valour,   and  prowess. 

II.  OiLioLi,  Glum.  He  became  King  of  Leath-Mhogha,  or  the 
southern  half  of  Ireland,  after  having  conquered  Lughaidh  Maccon, 
the  ancestor  of  O'Driscoll,  in  the  battle  of  Ceann-Feabhradh  Sleibhe 
Caoin,  in  the  year  2},7.  He  married  Sadhbh,  or  Sabia,  daughter  of 
Con  of  the  Hundred  Battles,  and  had  by  her  seven  sons,  who  all  fell  in 
the  battle  of  Magh-Mucruimhe,  near  Athenry,  in  the  present  county 
of  Galway,  except  Cormac  Cas  and  Cian.  Of  these  only  three  left 
issue,  namely,  Eoghan,  Cormac  Cas,  and  Cian,  the  ancestor  of 
O'Carroll  of  Ely  O'Carroll,  of  O'Meagher  of  Ikerrin,  and  several  other 
families.  It  appears  from  a  historical  tract,  preserved  in  the  library 
of  Trinity  College,  Dublin  (H.  3.  17,  p.  849),  that  Oilioll  Olum  was 
jealous  with  his  wife,  Sabia  ;  that  he  turned  her  away  after  she  had 
a  son  and  a  daughter  ;  and  that  she  was  obliged  to  live  for  some  time 
in  the  mountain  of  Sliabh  Comhalt,  now  Keeper  Hill,  in  the  county 
of  Tipperary  ;  that  her  brother,  the  monarch  Art,  son  of  Con,  put 
Oilioll  on  his  trial  for  neglecting  his  wife  and  denying  his  children  ; 
and  that  the  Ollavs,  or  chief  Brehons,  or  Judges  o'f  Ireland,  decided 
that  the  children  were  legitimate,  and  that  Oilioll  Olum  should  pay 
for  their  fosterage,  and  provide  for  them. 

Previous  to  his  time,  the  ancestors  of  the  O'DriscolIs,  of  the 
Ithian  race,  and  the  Ernaans,  of  the  race  of  Heremon,  had  been  kings 
of  Munster,  according  to  the  fortune  of  each  in  the  war,  in  which 
they  were  almost  constantly  embroiled  with  each  other.  But  Oilioll 
Olum  fixed  the  sceptre  in  his  own  family,  and  divided  Munster  into 
two  parts,  between  his  second  son,  Cormac  Cas,  and  the  heir  of  his 
eldest  son,  Eoghan,  and  enjoined  that  their  descendants  should 
succeed  to  the  government  of  the  province  in  alternate  succession  ; 
and  this  injunction  was  complied  with  until  the  time  of  Brian 
Borumha,  who  set  it  aside  for  ever,  after  dethroning  the  heir,  not 
only  of  Eoghan,  but  of  Con  of  the  Hundred  Battles. 

III.  Eoghan.  He  was  the  eldest  son  of  Oilioll  Olum,  and  brother 
of  Cormac  Cas,  ancestor  of  the  O'Briens  of  Thomond.  He  was  killed 
in  the  battle  of  Magh  Mucruimhe,  near  Athenry,  in  the  now  county 
of  Galway,  fought  a.d.  250,  between  Art,  the  son  of  Con  of  the  Hundred 
Battles,  monarch  of  Ireland,  and  Lughaidh  Maccon,  the  ancestor  of 
the  family  of  the  O'DriscolIs,  who  had  been  expelled  Ireland  a.d.  237, 
but  returned  in  240  with  some  British  auxiliaries.  It  is  stated  in 
the  authentic  Irish  annals  that  Eoghan,  the  son  of  Oilioll  Olum,  was 
killed  in  this  battle  hj  Bene,  a  Briton. 

This  Eoghan  married  Moncha,  the  daughter  of  Dil,  a  druid  of 
noble  extraction,  and  had  issue  by  her  : 

IV.  FiACHA  Muii.LE.\THAN.  He  was  declared  King  of  Munster, 
in  accordance  with  the  will  of  his  grandfather,  on  the  death  of  his 
uncle,  Cormac  Cas,  which  occurred  a.d.  260.  His  territory  was 
invaded  by  Cormac  Mac  Art,  the  grandson  of  Con  of  the  Hundred 
Battles  ;  but  Fiacha  met  him  in  a  pitched  battle  at  Drom-Damhghaire, 
now  Knocklong,  in  the  present  county  of  Limerick,  where  Cormac 
was  defeated  and  obliged  to  make  restitution  for  the  injuries  caused 
ty  this  invasion.     This  Fiacha  lived  at  Knockgraffon,  near  the  Suir, 


APPENDICES.  413 

in  the  county  of  Tipperary,  where  his  moat  and  extensive  entrench- 
ments are  still  to  be  seen. 

He  had  two  sons,  of  whom  the  elder  was  called  OilioU  Flannmore, 
and  the  younger,  Oilioll  Flannbeg.  OilioU  Flannmore,  having  had  no 
heir,  adopted  his  brother,  Oilioll  Flannbeg,  as  his  son,  who,  in  his 
turn,  became  King  of  Leath-Mhogha,  after  the  death  of  Mogh  Corb, 
son  of  Corniac  Cas,  who  was  son  of  Oilioll  Olum. 

V.  OiLioi.L  Flannbeg.  He  was  King  of  Munster  for  thirty 
years,  and  was  slain  in  the  battle  of  Corann  by  the  men  of  Connaught, 
aided  by  Fothadh  Conann,  son  of  Maccon,  the  ancestor  of  the 
O'Driscolls.  He  had  four  sons,  namely  :  (i)  Eochaidh,  King  of  Munster, 
whose  race  is  extinct  ;  (2)  Daire  Cearba,  the  ancestor  of  O'Donovan  ; 
(3)  Lughaidh,  ancestor  of  MacCarthy  and  his  correlatives  ;  (4)  Eoghan, 
from  whom  descended  six  saints,  namely:  (i)  St.  Cormac,  whose  life 
is  given  in  the  Book  of  Lccan,  and  published  in  a  Latin  translation 
by  Colgan  at  26th  March  ;  (2)  St.  Becan  of  Cill-Becain  at  the  foot  of 
Siiabh  gCrot  in  Muscraighe-Chuirc  ;  (3)  St.  Culan  of  Glenkeen,  in  the 
territory  of  Ui-Luigheach  [Ileagh].  in  the  present  county  of  Tipperary, 
whose  bell,  called  Beranan-Culain,  is  still  preserved;  (4)  St.  Evin  of 
Ros-glas,  now  Monasterevin,  in  the  county  of  Kildare  ;  (5)  St.  Dermot 
of  Kilmacnowen,  near  the  hill  of  Knocknarea,  in  the  count}'  of  Sligo  ; 
and  (6)  Boetan  of  Cill-Boetain,  in  the  territory  of  Dalaradia,  in  "the 
east  of  Ulster. — See  O'Flaherty's  Ogygia,  p.  381,  where  O'Flaherty 
writes  :  "  Olillo  Flannbeg  regi  Momoniae  supererant  Achaius,  rex 
Momoniaj,  Darius  Kearb,  ex  quo  O'Donawan  Lugadius  et  Eugenius." 

It  should  be  here  remarked,  that  Mr.  Laine  falsities  this  quotation 
from  O'Flaherty  in  his  pedigree  of  the  Count  ]MacCarthy. 

VI.  Daire  Cearba.  He  was  King  of  Leath-Mhogha,  and  dis- 
tinguished himself  at  the  head  of  the  forces  of  Munster  in  repelling 
the  assaults  of  certain  pirates  who  infested  the  coasts  of  Munster. 
He  had  seven  sons,  of  whom  the  eldest  was  Fidhach,  the  father  of  the 
celebrated  Crimhthaun  JNIor  mac  Fidhaigh,  the  senior  of  the  Milesian 
race,  who  became  Monarch  of  Ireland  despite  of  the  rival  race  of  Con 
of  the  Hundred  Battles,  and  who  established  colonies  of  Munstermen 
at  Glastonbury,  and  in  different  parts  of  Wales,  where,  according  to 
Cormac's  Glossary,  there  are  several  places  called  after  his  people, 
who  no  doubt,  built  the  forts  called  Ceiter  Guidelod,  or  forts  of  the  Gaels 
or  Irish,  by  the  Welsh.  It  is  also  stated  that  this  warlike  monarch 
made  some  expeditions  into  Scotland  in  the  year  369,  where  he  assisted 
the  Picts  in  opposing  the  Romans,  under  the  Governor  Theodosius. 
He  is  also  said  to  have  made  some  descents  upon  the  coasts  of  Gaul, 
whence  he  returned  with  immense  booty.  This  warlike  monarch,  by 
far  the  most  distinguished  that  the  Munster  race  can  boast  of  in  pagan 
times,  was  poisoned  by  his  own  sister,  Mongfinn,  the  wife  of  Eochaidh 
Moyvaine,  who  had  been  Monarch  of  Ireland  preceding  Crimhthaun. 
She  effected  this  while  Crimhthaun  was  on  a  visit  with  her  at  Inis- 
Dornglas,  an  island  in  the  river  Moy  in  Connaught,  in  the  hope  that 
her  eldest  son,  Brian,  might  be  immediately  seated  on  the  throne 
of  Ireland  ;  and  in  order  the  more  effectually  to  deceive  her  brother 
as  to  the  contents  of  the  proffered  cup,  she  drank  of  it  lirst  herself, 
and  died  of  the  poison  soon  after.  Crimhthann,  on  his  way  home 
to  Munster,  died  at  a  place  in  the  south  of  the  present  county  of  Clare, 
which,  from  that  memorable  event,  received  the  appellation  of 
Shabh  Oighidhan  Righ,  i.e.  the  Mountain  of  the  Death  of  the  King. 
It  has  been  remarked  by  ancient  and  modern  Irish  writers,  that  this 
execrable  act  of  Mongfinn  had  not  the  desired  effect,  for  that  neither 
her  son,  Brian,  nor  any  of  her  posterity,  ever  attained  to  the  monarchy 


414  DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 

of  Ireland,  except  Turlough  O'Conor,  and  his  son,  Roderic,  who  were 
luckless  monarchs  to  Ireland  ! 

The  race  of  this  great  monarch,  Crimthann  More,  became  extinct  ; 
but  the  race  of  Daire  Cearba  was  continued  by  his  second  son,  Fiacha 
Fidhgeinte,  the  ancestor  of  O'Donovan,  and  his  third  son,  Eochaidh 
Liathanach,  the  ancestor  of  the  tribe  of  Ui-Liathain,  in  the  south-east 
of  the  present  county  of  Cork,  where  their  chief,  Mac  Tyrus,  was 
very  powerful  at  the  English  Invasion.  His  fourth  son,  Deaghaidh, 
or  Dagaeus,  was  ancestor  of  the  Ui-Deaghaidh,  in  the  territory  of 
Eoghanacht-Chaisil,  of  whom  was  the  virgin,  St.  Sinchea  ;  and  from 
Dera,  his  fifth  son,  descended  the  celebrated  St.  Rodanus  of  Lorha, 
in  Lower  Ormond,  who  cursed  the  royal  palace  of  Tara,  in  the  sixth 
century. 

VII.  Fiacha  Fidhgeinte,  the  second  son  of  Daire  Cearba. 
After  the  death  of  Crimhthann  More  mac  Fidhaigh,  in  a.d.  379,  the 
race  of  Fiacha  Fidhgeinte  became  the  senior  line  of  the  Milesian  race, 
and  contended  for  the  crown  of  Munster.  Fiacha  himself,  however, 
never  became  King  of  Munster,  for  he  was  killed  by  his  rival,  Aengus 
Tireach,  great-grandson  of  Cormac  Cas,  in  a  battle  fought  at  Clidhna, 
near  Glandore  harbour,  as  appears  from  a  poem  by  Cormac  Mac 
Cuilleanain,  quoted  in  the  Book  of  M-iinstcr.  While  Crimhthann 
More  mac  Fidhaigh,  the  nephew  of  this  Fiacha,  was  Monarch  of  Ireland, 
he  made  Conall  Eachluath,  the  grandson  of  Aengus  Tireach,  King  of 
Munster  ;  and  after  the  poisoning  of  Crimhthann,  Enna  Airgtheach, 
the  son  of  Conall  Eachluath,  became  King  of  Leath  Mhogha  ;  and  none 
of  the  family  of  Crimhthann  ever  after  attained  to  the  sovereignty 
of  all  Munster. 

The  Lcabhav  ]\Iuimhncach,  or  Munster  Book,  as  preserved  in  the 
Book  of  Lccan,  states  that  this  Fiacha  received  the  cognomen  of 
Fidhgheinte,  because  he  constructed  a  wooden  horse  at  the  fair  of 
Aenach  Cholmain  in  Magh-Life : — "  Fid-geiiit  niinciipains  est  qiiia  fecit 
■equiini  ligneum   in   Circiiiio   Colmain  in  Campo  Liphi." 

From  him  descended  the  Ui-Fidhgeinte  or  Xepotes  Fidhgenti,  of 
whom  was  the  celebrated  St.  Molua  of  Cluain-fearta  Molua,  at  the 
foot  of  Slieve  Bloom,  in  Upper  Ossory,  in  whose  Ufe  their  situation 
is  described  as  follows  : — 

"  Et  venit  [S.  Molua]  ad  Mumeniam,  et  lustravit  patriam  suam. 
i.  Nepotes  Fidgenti,  quae  gens  est  in  medio  Mumeni,  a  medio  planicie 
Mumenie  usque  ad  medium  montis  Luachra  in  occidente  ad  australem 
plagam  flummis  Synnae." — Vit.  S.  Mohics.  Ex  codice  Killkenniensi, 
in  Marsh's  Library,  Dublin,  V.  3.   i.  4,  F.   135. 

This  Fiacha  had  three  sons,  viz.  :  Brian,  Sedna,  a  quo  Ui-Sednas 
and  Laeghaire,  a  quo  the  nepotes  Laeghaire. 

VIII.  Brian.  He  was  King  of  South  Munster  when  Niall  of 
the  Nine  Hostages  was  Monarch  of  Ireland.  He  had  seven  sons,  viz.  : 
(i)  Cairbre  Aebhdha,  the  ancestor  of  O'Donovan  and  Mac  Eniry  ;  (2) 
•GoU  ;  (3)  Lughaidh  ;  (4)  Daire,  from  whose  grandson,  Conall,  descended 
the  tribe  of  Ui-Conaill,  giving  name  to  the  Conilloes,  in  the  county 
of  Limerick,  of  whom  was  O'Coileain,  O'Kinealy,  O'Billrin,  and  other 
families,  but  not  the  O'Connells,  as  asserted  by  Dr.  O'Brien,  in  his 
Irish  Dictionary,  for  the  O'Connells  of  Kerry  are  of  the  same  race  as 
O'Falvy,  i.e.  of  the  race  of  Conary  II.,  Monarch  of  Ireland  ;  and  the 
O'Connells  of  Cork,  as  appears  from  the  historical  poem  of  Cathan 
•O'Duinin,  are  of  the  same  race  as  the  O'Donohoes  of  Eoghanacht 
Locha  Lein  in  Kerry  ;  (5)  Fergus  ;  (6)  Ross  ;  and  (7)  Cormac. 

IX.  Cairbre  Aebhdha.      He  had  five  sons,  viz.  :  (i)  Ere,  a  quo 


APPENDICES.  415 

O'Donovan  ;  (2)  Eccen,  a  quo  the  Fir-Thamhnaighe,  the  Ui-  Brogain, 
and  the  Ui-Garbhain  ;  (3)  Trian  ;  (4)  Sedua,  a  quo  Mac  Eniry,  chief 
of  Corca-Muichead,  now  the  parish  of  Corcamohid,  alias  Castletown 
Mac  Eniry,  in  the  south  of  the  county  of  Limerick  ;  and  (5)  Cormac, 
a  quo  Mac  Caechluinge. 

This  Cairbre  Aebhdha  gave  name  to  Ui-Cairbre  Aebhdha,  a 
territory  comprising  the  barony  of  Coshma,  and  the  district  around 
Kilmallock,  in  the  county  of  Limerick.  He  had  several  sons,  of  whom 
the   eldest   was, 

X.  Erc,  who  had  two  sons,  Lonan  and  Kiufaela  ;  the  former  was 
chief  of  the  Ui-Fidhgeinte,  and  contemporary  with  St.  Patrick,  whom 
he  entertained  (according  to  the  Tripartite  Life,  published  by  Colgan), 
in  the  year  439,  at  his  palace,  situated  on  the  summit  of  the  hill  of 
Kea,  near  the  mountain  of  Carn-Feradhaigh.  But  it  appears  that 
Lonan  afterwards  quarrelled  with  Patrick,  and  refused  to  become 
his  convert,  for  which  reason  the  saint  cursed  him,  and  predicted 
that  his  race  would  become  extinct,  and  that  his  principality  would 
be  transferred  to  the  race  of  his  brother. 

XL  KiNFAELA.  Nothing  is  known  of  this  chieftain,  except 
that  he  was  the  first  of  his  race  who  embraced  the  Christian  religion, 
about  the  year  439,  and  that  the  following  generations  descended 
from  him  : — 

XII.  OiLIOLL    CEANNFADA. 

XIII.  Laipe. 

XIV.  Aengus. 

XV.  Aedh. 

XVI.  Crunnmael. 

XVII.  EoGHAN,  Chief  of  Ui-Figeinte,  who  was  killed,  according 
to  Tighernach,  in  the  year  667,  in  a  battle  fought  against  his  neigh- 
bours, the  people  of  Ara-Cliach,  who  inhabited  the  territory  on  the 
other  side  of  the  River  Maigue. 

XVIII.  Aedh  Roin.  After  the  death  of  Eoghan,  his  relative, 
Conall,  of  the  sept  of  Ui-Conaill-Gabhra,  became  chief  of  all  the 
Ui-Figeinte,  and,  on  his  death,  which  occurred  in  the  year  701  (Ann. 
Tighev.),  his  brother,  Aedh  Dubh,  becamechief  of  the  Nepotes  Figeinte, 
but  on  his  death,  which  happened  in  the  year  715,  the  chieftainship 
reverted  to. 

XIX.  DuvDAVORAN,  who  died,  Rex  Nepotum  Figeinte,  in  the 
year  750  (Ann.  Tighcr.)  After  his  death  the  chieftainship  devolved  to 
Flann,  son  of  Erc,  who  was  the  head  of  a  sept  of  the  Ui-Conaill-Gabhra, 
but,  on  his  death  in  755,  the  chieftainship  reverted  to 

XX.  KiNFAELA,  who  rulcd  the  Nepotes  Figeinte  for  eleven 
years,  and  died  a  natural  death  in  767,  After  the  death  of  Kinfaela, 
Scanlan,  the  son  of  Flann,  of  the  sept  of  Ui-Conaill-Gabhra,  seized 
on  the  chieftainship  and  ruled  the  Ui-Figeinte  for  fourteen  years. 
He  died  in  the  year  78 1,  and  was  succeeded  by  his  son  or  nephew, 
Murchadh,  the  grandson  of  Flann,  who  died  in  802.  At  this  period 
the  race  of  Conall  Gabhra  got  the  upper  hand  of  the  race  of  Cairbre 
Aebhdha,  for  it  appears  from  the  Irish  annals  that  Murchadh  was 
succeeded  by  Bruadar,  who  died  in  S09,  and  Bruadar  by  Dunadhach, 
the  son  of  Scannlan,  who  died  in  834,  after  having  gained  a  con- 
siderable victory  over  the  Danes,  who  had  made  an  irruption  into 
liis  territory.  But  on  the  death  of  Dunadhach,  the  chieftainship 
reverted  to  the  race  of  Cairbre  Aebhdha,  and  Niall,  the  son  of 
Kinnfaela,  is  the  next  chief  of  the  Ui-Figeinte  recorded  by  the  Irish 
annahsts.     He  died  in  844. 

XXI.  Cathal,  Chief  of  Ui-Cairbre  Aebhdha. 


4l6  DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 

XXII.  Uainigh,  Chief  of  Ui-Cairbre  Aebhdha. 

XXIII.  Cathal,  Chief  of  the  Ui-Figeinte,  slain  by  the  celebrated 
Callaghan  Cashel,  King  of  Munster.  He  had  two  sons,  Uainidh,  Rex- 
Coirpre,  who  died  in  964,  according  to  the  old  Annals  of  Innisfallen, 
and 

XXIV.  Donovan,  the  progenitor  after  whom  the  family  name 
O'Donovan  has  been  called.  "  This  Donovan  made  his  name  celebrated 
throughout  Ireland  for  his  opposition  to  the  more  powerful  family 
of  Dal-Cais  of  Thomond,  which  nearly  caused  the  total  destruction 
of  his  own  sept.  In  the  year  976,  as  we  are  informed  by  the  Annalist 
Tighernach,  Mahon,  the  son  of  Kennedy,  King  of  Munster,  was  put 
to  death  by  Maelmuaidh,  the  son  of  Bran,  King  of  Ui-Eathach,  to 
whom  he  had  been  treacherously  delivered  up  by  Donovan,  the  son 
of  Cathal,  King  of  Ui-Figeinte.  The  Dublin  copy  of  the  Annals  of 
Innisfallen  add,  that  Mahon  was  killed  at  Bearna-dhearg  [now  the 
Red  Gap  or  Red  Chair,  a  chasm  in  the  mountain  of  Sliabh  Reagh, 
on  the  borders  of  Ui-Figeinte  and  Fermoy],  and  that  the  coarb  of  St. 
Finnbhar,  or  Bishop  of  Cork,  denounced  all  those  who  were  concerned 
in  conspiring  his  death. 

The  removal  of  Mahon,  head  of  the  Dal-Cais,  was  however,  of 
no  avail  to  the  race  of  Eoghan,  for  it  only  cleared  the  way  for  his 
more  illustrious  brother,  Brian,  afterwards  called  Brian  Borumha, 
who,  immediately  after  the  death  of  Mahon,  made  his  way  to  the 
throne  of  J\Iunster,  in  despite  of  all  the  opposition  and  treachery  of 
his  adversaries  of  South  Munster.  Nor  did  he  leave  the  death  of 
Mahon  long  unrevenged,  for,  in  the  year  977,  he  marched  his  forces 
into  the  plains  of  Ui-Figeinte,  where  Donovan  and  his  father-in-law, 
Amlaff,  or  Auliffe,  King  of  the  Danes  of  Munster,  had  their  forces  in 
readiness  to  meet  him.  and  a  battle  ensued,  in  which  Brian  vanquished 
his  enemies  with  great  slaughter,  and  left  Donovan  and  Amlaff  dead 
upon  the  field. — (Annals  of  the  Four  Masters,  and  Annals  of  Innis- 
fallen.) This  Danish  Donovan  also  formed  an  alliance  with  the  Danes 
of  Waterford,  and  one  of  the  sons  of  Imhar,  or  Ivor,  King  of  the  Danes 
of  Waterford,  was  called  Donovan  after  him.  This  Danish  Donovan, 
who  was  evidently  the  grandson  of  Donovan,  King  of  the  Nepotes 
Figeinte,  slew  Dermot,  son  of  Donnell,  Lord  of  Hy-Kinsellagh,  in 
995,  and  slew  also  in  the  same  year  Gillapatrick,  Chief  of  Ossory, 
but  was  himself  slain  soon  after  by  Cuduiligh,  the  son  of  Kineth, 
one  of  the  men  of  Offal}-,  in  revenge  of  the  death  of  the  Lord  of  Hy- 
Kinsellagh.  At  this  period  surnames  became  for  the  first  time  here- 
ditary in  Ireland,  for  we  find  that  many  of  the  chieftain  families  in 
Ireland  took  surnames  from  ancestors  who  were  living  at  this  period. 
— See  a  short  article  on  this  subject  published  by  the  Editor  in  the 
Irish  Penny  Journal,  loth  April,  1841. 

XXV.  Cathal  mac  Donovan.  Brian  Borumha  did  not  satisfy 
his  revenge  by  the  slaughter  of  Donovan  and  his  people  of  Ui-Figeinte, 
together  with  their  allies,  the  Dgaies  of  Munster.  In  the  year  978  he 
marched  a  second  time  against  the  rival  race  of  Eoghan  or  Eoghanachts, 
and  came  to  an  engagement  with  them  at  Bealach-Leachta,  in  Muskerry, 
near  Macroom,  in  the  now  county  of  Cork,  where  he  vanquished  them 
d,nd  their  Danish  allies  with  dreadful  havoc.  After  this  defeat  the 
race  of  Eoghan  were  glad  to  give  up  their  rivalship  for  the  govern- 
ment of  Munster,  and  to  make  peace  with  Brian  on  his  own  conditions. 
Accordingly  we  find  these  two  great  races  of  the  blood  of  OilioU  Olum 
at  peace  with  each  other  for  a  period  of  thirty-six  years,  that  is,  from 
the  year  978  till  1014.  Among  the  chieftains  of  the  line  of  Eoghan 
who  submitted  to  Brian  on  this  occasion,  was  Cathal,  the  son  of  his- 


APPENDICES.  417 

inveterate  enemy,  Donovan,  who,  if  we  may  rely  on  the  DubUn  copy 
of  the  Annals  of  Innisfallen,  fought  at  Clontarf,  on  the  side  of  Brian 
against  his  relatives  the  Danes  ;  but  it  is  more  than  probable  that  many 
of  the  Munster  Danes  (one  of  whom,  according  to  Duald  Mac  Firbis's 
account  of  the  Danish  families  in  Ireland,  was  married  to  Brian 
Borumha's  own  daughter)  fought  also  on  the  Irish  side.  He  was 
placed  in  the  second  division  of  Brian's  forces,  of  which  Kian,  the 
son  of  Maelmuaidh,  ancestor  of  the  O'Mahonys,  had  the  chief  command, 
and  this  division  contended  with  the  forces  of  Leinster.  It  does  not 
appear  whether  or  not  Cathal  was  killed  in  this  battle.  He  was 
married  to  a  Danish  wife,  as  is  quite  manifest  from  the  name  of  his  son. 

XXVI.  Amhlaoibh,  Auliffe  or  Amlaff  O'Donovan.  He 
flourished  a.d.  1041,  and  was  evidently  the  O'Donovan  who  slew 
Donnchadh  Ua  Eachach,  as  mentioned  in  the  Bodleian  copy  of  the 
Annals  of  Innisfallen,  under  that  year.     He  left  a  son — 

XXVII.  MuRCHADH  O'Donovan,  of  whom  nothing  is  known, 
except  that  he  left  a  son — 

XXVIII.  Aneslis  O'Donovan,  a  name  which  indicates  a  Danish 
connexion.  In  his  time  Desmond  was  thrown  into  a  state  of  confusion 
in  consequence  of  the  feuds  between  the  O'Briens  and  MacCarthys, 
during  which  the  O' Donovans  were  driven  from  the  plains  of  Ui- 
Figeinte,  and  forced  to  fly  beyond  the  Mangerton  mountain. — See 
note  m,  under  the  year  1178,  p.  45,  supra.  Whether  they  were  ever 
after  able  to  return  has  not  been  yet  determined.  Collins  asserts, 
in  his  pedigree  of  the  late  General  "O'Donovan,  of  Bawnlahan,  that 
O'Donovan  resided  at  Croom,  till  he  was  driven  thence  by  Maurice 
Fitzgerald,  second  Baron  of  Offaly,  whc  was  Lord  Justice  of  Ireland 
in  the  year  1229  ;  but  this  has  not  been  proved.  Murchadh  had  a 
son — 

XXIX.  Raghnall,  Ranulph,  Randal,  or  Reginald  O'Donovan. 
another  name  which  bespeaks  a  Danish  alUance.  In  the 
year  1201  the  chief  of  the  O' Donovans,  Amhlaoibh,  Aulaf,  cr 
Auliff,  was  seated  in  the  now  county  of  Cork,  where  he  was  slain 
that  year  by  the  O'Briens  and  De  Burgos,  but  how  he  stood  related 
to  this  Raghnall  has  not  been  proved.  — See  note  °,  under  the  year 
1200,  p.   126;  and  note  y,  under  the  year  1418,  pp.  832,  933,  supra. 


B. 

CORRESPONDENCE  BETWEEN  GILLEBERT  AND  St.  ANSELM. 
{Sylloge  87-88.  Dublm  Ed.,  1632.) 

Gilberti,  Lunicensis  episcopi,  ad  Episcopos    Hiberniye. 
De  usu  Ecclesiastico. 

Episcopis,  [cS-]  presbyteris  iotiiis  Hibernia,  mfimus  pycesulum  Gille 
Lunicensis  in  Christo  Salutem. 
Rogati,  necnon  &  praecepto  multorum  ex  vobis  (charissimi) 
Canonicalem  consuetudinem  in  dicendis  horis  &  peragendo  totius 
Ecclesiastici  Ordinis  officio  scribere  conatus  sum,  non  pra2Sumptiv;o, 
sed  vestra;  cupiens  parere  pijssimae  jussioni  ;  ut  diversi  &  schismatici 
illi  ordines,  quibus  Hibernia  pene  tota  delusa  est,  uni  Catholico  & 
Romano  cedant  Officio.     Quid  enimjmagis  indecens   aut  schismaticum 

2  E 


4i8 


DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 


dici  potent,  quam  doctissimum  unius  Ordinis  in  alterius  Ecclesia 
idiotam  &  laicum  fieri  ?  Quicumque  ergo  CathoUcae  membrum  se 
profitetur  Ecclesiae,  sicut  una  fide,  spe,  charitate,  in  corpore  jungitur, 
ita  Deum  ore  &  ordine  cum  csEteris  membris  laudare  jubetur.  Unde 
Apostolus  :  Ut  unanimes  nno  ore  honorificctis  Deum.  Sicut  igitur 
linguarum  per  siiperbiam  facta  dispersio,  ad  uiiitatem  in  Apostolica 
humilitate  ducta  est  :  sic  ordinum  per  negligentiam  &  praeoumptionem 
exorta  confusio,  ad  consecratam  Romana;  Ecclesia?  regulam  per  vestrum 
studium  &  humilitatem  ducenda  est.  Quantum  ergo  debeat  morum 
unitas  servari  a  fidelibus,  quamvis  ex  multis  locis  sacrae  Scripturse 
manifestum  sit  ;  pra?sens  tamen  Ecclesiae  depicta  imago  oculis  subjecta 
patenter  ostendit.  Namque  omnia  Ecclesia?  membra  uni  Episcopo, 
videlicet  Christe,  ejusque  vicario  beato  Petro  Apostolo,  atque  in  ejus 
sede  praesidenti  Apostolico,  subjici  &  ab  eis  manifestat  gubernari. 
Haec  tandem  praemia  pro  tantulo  opere  a  vobis  omnibus  expostulo  ; 
ut  sicut  hie  Deum  uno  corde  &  ore  laudare  debemus,  sic  ei,  vestris 
precibus  adjutus,  una  vobiscum  psallere  in  coelestibus  valere  merear. 
Amen. 

Ejusdem  Gilleberii,  ad  Anselmum  Cantuariensem  archiepiscopum. 

Anselmo    Dei    gratia    Anglorum  Archi-prasuli,   Gillebertus  Dei  quoqiie 
misericordia  Lunicensif;  Episcopus  fidcle  servitium  &•  orationes. 

Audiens,  Pater,  certaminis  vestri  laborem  &  laboris  victoriam  ; 
subditas  esse  videlicet  indomitas  Normannorum  mentes  Regularibus 
sanctorum  Patrum  decretis,  ut  legaliter  fiat  Abbatum  cS:  Praesulum 
electio  &  consecratio  :  immensas  divinae  clementiae  refero  gratias  ;  & 
quas  possum  Deo  preces  effundo,  ut  perseverantiam  vobis  &  tanti 
laboris  pracmium  largiatur.  ]\Iunusculum  paupertatis  meae  &  devo- 
tionis  transmitto,  XXV.  margaritulas  inter  optimas  et  viliores  :  et 
rogo  ne  sitis  immemor  mei  in  orationibus  vestri,  in  quibus  post  divinara 
largitatem  confido. 

Ansebni,    Cantuariensis    archiepiscopi,     ad    eundem    Gillebertum. 

Ansehniis,  serviis  Ecclesice  Cantuariensis,  Gillcberto  Liiuicen^t  Episcopo 
Salutem. 

Gratias  ago  Reverentite  vestrae,  quia  laetari  se  significat  in  litteris 
suis,  quod  Deus  in  Ecclesia  sua  ad  profectum  religionis  per  me  dignatur 
a  liquid  operari.  Quoniam  autem  olim  nos  apud  Rothomagum  invicem 
cognovimus,  dilectione  sociati  suumus,  &  nunc  cognosco  vos  ad 
Episcopatus  dignitatem  gratia  Dei  profecisse  :  confidenter  audeo  vos 
obsecrare,  &  secundum  quod  intelligo  opus  esse,  vobis  consulere. 
Sublimavit  Deus  in  Hibernid  vestram  prudentiam  ad  tantam  digni- 
tatem ;  &  prosuit  vos,  ut  studeretis  ad  religionis  vigorem  &  animarum 
utilitatem.  Satagite  ergo  sollicite  (sicut  scriptum  est  ;  Qui  praest, 
in  iollicitudine,)  in  ilia  gente,  quantum  in  vobis  est,  corrigere  &  ex- 
tirpare,  &  bonos  mores  plantare  &  seminare.  Ad  hoc  etiam  (quantum 
in  vobis  est)  Regem  vestrum,  tS:  alios  Episcopos,  &  quoscunq  ;  potesits 
suadendo,  &  gaudia  quae  parata  sunt  bonis,  ac  mala  quae  expectant 
malos,  ostendendo  attrahite.  Et  de  vestris,  &  aliorum  bonis  operibus 
praeminum  mereamini  a  Deo  accipere.  Grates  refero  nro  munere 
vestro,  quod  mihi  benigne  mifistis.     Orate  pro  me. 


APPENDICES.  419 

c. 

CORPORATION  LANDS. 

Amongst  the  Records  in  the  Office  of  the  Chief  Remembrancer 
IN  Ireland  is  an  Inquisition  remaining  there  of  Record, 
OF  which  the  following  is  a  Copy. 

An  Inquisition  indented,  taken  at  the  city  of  Limerick,  in  the 
county  of  Limerick,  the  i8th  day  of  March,  in  the  year  of  the  reign  of 
our  Sovereign  Lord  King  James  of  England,  France,  and  Ireland, 
the  1 2th,  and  of  Scotland  the  48th,  before  Sir  Francis  Aungier, 
Knight,  member  of  the  rolls  in  the  King's  High  Court  of  Chancery 
in  the  realm  of  Ireland  ;  and  Sir  John  Davis,  Knight,  the  King's 
Attorney-General  of  the  said  realm,  being  his  Highness's  Justices 
of  Assize,  in  the  province  of  Munster,  by  virtue  of  a  commission  of 
our  said  Sovereign  Lord  the  King,  under  the  great  seal  of  his  kingdom, 
to  the  said  Sir  Francis  Aungier  and  Sir  John  Davis  directed  ;  and  to 
this  inquisition  annexed,  by  the  oath  of  good  and  lawful  men  of  the 
said  county  of  Limerick,  whose  names  do  follow,  viz.  : — 

Henry  Barkley,  of  Ballycahan,  gentleman  ;  James  Rawly,  of 
Ballyngowly,  gentleman  ;  Connor  O'Heyne,  of  Cahirelly,  gentleman  ; 
Donnell  M'Mahowne,  of  Cragan,  gentleman  ;  John  Oge  Gerrald,  of 
Ballinard,  gentleman  ;  John  Fitzgerald  Anester,  of  Mullen,  gentle- 
man ;  Richard  Wall,  of  Cloughtreade,  gentleman  ;  Richard  Purcell, 
of  Balhnycarrigy,  gentleman  ;  John  Fitz  Edmonde,  of  Fillsterstowne, 
gentleman  ;  Dermode  M'Teige,  of  Twogh,  gentleman  ;  Walter  Brown, 
of  Camus,  gentleman  ;  Thomas  Fitz  John,  of  Ballynymong,  gentleman  : 
Teige  O'Bryen,  of  Gortboy,  gentleman. 

Which  say  upon  their  oaths  that  King  John,  late  King  of 
England  and  Lord  of  Ireland,  by  his  Letters  Patent,  granted  forty 
ploughlands,  with  their  appurtenances,  to  the  mayor  and  citizens 
of  the  citv  of  Limerick  aforesaid,  and  their  successors,  rendering  and 
paying  to'  the  said  King  John,  his  heirs  and  successors,  the  yearly 
rent  of  l<^o  Irish  ;  and  that  afterwards  King  Henry  the  Third,  late 
King  of  England  and  Lord  of  Ireland,  by  his  Letters  Patent,  granted 
ten  ploughlands,  parcel  of  the  said  forty  ploughlands,  to  the  then 
Bishop  of  Limerick  and  his  successors,  as  by  a  certain  record  showed 
to  the  said  jurors  in  evidence  appeareth  ;  which  ten  ploughlands 
the  Bishops  of  Limerick  aforesaid  have,  or  of  right  ought  to  have, 
and  for  which  ten  ploughlands  the  Bishop  of  Limerick  paid  no  rent 
to  the  mayor  and  commonalty  of  the  city  of  Limerick  aforesaid. 

And  the  said  jurors  do  also  saj-,  upon  their  oaths,  that  the  late 
priors  of  St.  Marie  House,  in  the  city  of  Limerick,  were  anciently 
seised  in  their  demesne  as  of  fee  of  other  six  ploughlands,  parcel 
of  the  said  forty  ploughlands  ;  but  by  whose  gift  or  grant  the  said 
priors  were  so  seised,  the  said  jurors  do  not  know. 

And  that  the  said  priory  came  to  the  hands  of  our  sovereign 
lord,  King  James,  who  by  his  Letters  Patent  granted  the  six  plough- 
lands  to  Edmond  Sexton,  Esq.  ;  and  the  said  Edmond,  at  the  day 
of  the  taking  of  this  Inquisition,  had  in  his  tenure  and  possession 
one  ploughland,  called  the  Prior's  land,  lying  south-west  to  the  said 
city,  and  near  the  wall  of  said  city,  and  also  the  lands  called  the 
Meriksland,  the  two  parcels  of  land  called  (each  of  them)  Claskngilly, 
and  the  parcels  of  land  called  Bramloge  and  Inschymore,  all  which 
four  last-mentioned  parcels  of  land,  now  in  the  possession  of  the 
said    Edmond,    contain   by    estimation    half   a   ploughland,    and     are 


420 


DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 


parcels  of  the  said  forty  ploughlands,  and  that  the  said  parcel,  called 
Monksland,  containing  sixteen  acres,  or  thereabouts,  was  by  Letters 
Patent  from  the  late  Queen  Elizabeth,  leased  to  the  said  Edmond 
Sexton'  for  certain  years  yet  unexpired,  rendering  four-pence  for  every 
acre  to  the  said  late  Queen  and  her  successors,  and  that  for  the  rest 
of  the  said  parcels  of  land,  now  in  the  occupation  of  the  said  Edmond, 
no  rent  is  paid  or  due  to  the  said  mayor  and  commonalty  of  Limerick, 
but  the  said  Edmond  holdeth  them  as  part  of  the  said  six  ploughlands. 

And  the  said  jurors  do  also  say  upon  their  oaths,  that  the  master 
and  confreres  of  the  Hospital  or  House  of  Capers,i  near  unto  the  city 
of  Limerick  aforesaid,  do  hold  and  are  seised  in  fee  of  one  other  plough- 
land,  parcel  of  the  said  forty  ploughlands,  by  grant  and  Letters  Patent 
of  King  Henry  the  Third,  as  appeareth  by  an  ancient  record  thereof 
showed  in  evidence  to  the  said  jurors.  And  that  Gerald,  late  Earl 
of  Desmond,  was  seised  in  his  demesne  as  of  fee  of  and  in  one  other 
parcel  of  land  called  Corbally,  containing  by  estimation  one  plough- 
land  parcel  of  the  said  forty  ploughlands,  and  being  so  seised  thereof, 
was  attained  of  high  treason,  by  force  whereof  the  said  parcel  of  land, 
called  Corbally,  came  to  the  hands  of  the  late  Queen  Elizabeth,  who 
granted  the  same,  by  Letters  Patent,  to  Robert  Aneslie,  one  of  the 
undertakers  in  the  county  of  Limerick,  for  the  yearly  rent  of  forty 
shillings,  which  Corbally  is  now  in  the  tenure  and  possession  of 
Thomas' Gould,  by  convenience  and  assignment  from  the  said  Robert 
Aneslie,  and  no  rent  is  paid  out  of  it  to  the  mayor  and  commonalty 
of  the  said  city  of  Limerick. 

And  the  said  jurors  do  also  say  upon  their  oaths,  that  another 
parcel  of  land,  called  Bealus,  alias  Courtbrack,  containing  by  estima- 
tion one  ploughland,  parcel  of  said  forty  ploughlands,  came  to  the 
late  Queen's  Majesty's  hands  by  the  said  attainder  of  the  said  Gerald, 
late  Earl  of  Desmond,  who  by  her  Letters  Patent  granted  the  same 
to  the  said  Robert  Aneslie,  for  the  yearly  rent  of  three  pounds  Irish, 
which  said  parcel  called  Bealus,  is  now  m  the  tenure  and  possession 
of  the  Earl  of  Thomond,  and  no  rent  paid  for  it  to  the  mayor  and 
commonalty    of    Limerick. 

And  that  one  other  parcel  of  land,  called  Ffarrenygallagh,  con- 
taining by  estimation  half  a  ploughland,  parcel  of  the  said  forty 
ploughlands,  was  part  of  the  possessions  and  in  the  tenure  and 
occupation  of  the  nunnery  of  Killene,  in  the  county  of  Clare,  which 
Ffarrenygallagh,  together  with  the  said  nunnery  and  the  possessions 
thereof,  came  unto  the  Crown,  and  was  by  Letters  Patent  granted 
to  the  Lord  Baron  of  Insiquine,  in  the  county  of  Clare,  and  is  now 
in  the  occuptaion  of  the  said  Earl  of  Thomond,  for  which  no  rent  is 
paid  to  the  said  mayor  and  commonalty,  but  what  rent  is  issuing 
out  of  the  same  to  the  King's  Majesty  the  jurors  do  not  know.  And 
the  said  jurors  do  also  say  upon  their  oaths  that  two  parts  of  two 
ploughlands  in  three  parts  divided  in  Ratwyrd,  being  parcel  of  the 
said  forty  ploughlands,  came  into  the  late  Queen  Elizabeth's  hands 
by  the  attainder  of  one  John  Browne,  and  were  by  her  Majesty  granted 
to  the  said  Robert  Aneslie,  and  are  now  in  the  tenure  and  possession 
of  William  Bourke  Fitz  Nicholas  of  Limerick  aforesaid,  merchant, 
assignee  thereof  to  the  said  Earl  of  Thomond,  assignee  thereof  to  the 
said  to  Robert  Aneslie,  out  of  which  parcel  of  land  the  rent  of  £6 
Irish  is  issuing  and  pavable  to  the  King's  Majesty  ;  and  that  three 
other  parcels  of  land,"  viz.,  Gortediravohir,  containing  ten  acres  ; 
Gortnebewley,  containing  five  acres  ;  Rathgreylan,  contammg  fifteen 

1  Evidently  a  mistake  for  Lepers. 


APPENDICES.  421 

acres,  with  three  parcels  of  land,  are  accounted  for  one  ploughland, 
parcel  of  the  said  forty  ploughlands,  and  are  now  in  tenure  and 
possession  of  Phillis  White,  Simon  Ffaning,  and  Edmond  Bourke, 
of  Ballasimon,  for  which  said  three  parcels  of  land  the  said  Phillis 
Simon  and    Edmond  pay  no  rent  to  the  said  mayor  and  commonalty. 

And  also  the  said  jurors  say,  upon  their  oath,  that  certain  other 
small  parcels  of  gardens  lying  by  south  of  the  gate  of  the  said  city 
commonly  called  St.  John's  Gate,  and  the  land  of  Martin  Croft,  and 
Clownegonderiske,  containing  in  estimation  one  ploughland,  and  being 
parcel  of  the  said  forty  ploughlands,  are  now  in  the  tenure  of  the 
mayor  and  commonalty  of  the  said  city,  and  that  the  said 
mayor  and  commonalty  are  also  seised  of  the  several  parcels  of  land 
hereafter  following,  being  parcel  of  the  said  forty  ploughlands  :  viz., 
the  parcel  of  land  called  Park,  containing  by  estimation  three-quarters 
of  ploughland,  now  in  the  tenure  and  possession  of  Thomas  Comyn, 
of  Limerick  aforesaid,  merchant,  and  held  by  him,  by  the  demise  of 
the  said  mayor  and  commonalty,  for  the  rent  of  fifteen  shillings,  Irish. 
Item — One  other  parcel  of  land,  called  Renbough,  containing  in 
estimation  three-quarters  of  a  ploughland,  being  in  the  tenure  of 
Nicholas  Arthure,  and  held  by  him  of  the  said  mayor  and  commonalty 
for  the  yearly  rent  of  lifteen  shillings,  Irish.  Item — One  other  parcel 
of  land  called  Ballysj-ado,  containing  by  estimation  three  quarters 
of  a  ploughland,  now  in  the  possession  of  John  Fox,  and  by  him  held 
of  the  said  mayor  and  commonalty  for  the  yearly  rent  of  fifteen 
shillings,  Irish.  Item — Three  other  parcels  of  land,  called  Dwylish, 
Ballymoldowyn,  and  Rathmichell,  containing  by  estimation  one 
ploughland,  now  in  the  possession  of  the  said  Nicholas  Arthure,  and 
by  him  held  of  the  said  mayor  and  commonalty  by  the  yearly  rent 
of  twenty  shillings,  Irish.  Item — One  other  parcel  of  land,  called 
Rathbane,  containing  by  estimation  three-quarters  of  a  plough- 
land,  which  in  times  past  was  parcel  of  the  three  ploughlands  which 
the  FitzSimons  held  of  the  mayor  and  commonalty  aforesaid,  and  is 
now  in  the  possession  of  Pierce  Creagh,  his  heirs,  Phillis  White  and 
Simon  Ffaning,  paying  for  it  only  twelve  shillings  and  four-pence, 
Irish.  Item — The  third  part  of  the  parcel  of  land  called  Rathwyrd, 
which  third  part  contains  by  estimation  the  third  part  of  two  plough- 
lands,  and  is  now  in  the  possession  of  Nicholas  Strich,  of  Limerick, 
merchant,  who  payeth  for  the  same  to  the  said  mayor  and  commonalty 
the  rent  of  Irish.     Item — One  other  parcel  of  land  called 

Crewe  Iwally,  alias  Ballyincloghe,  containing  by  estimation  the  fourth 
part  of  a  ploughland,  being  now  in  the  possession  of  Christopher 
Arthure,  for  the  yearly  rent  of  five  shillings,  Irish,  paid  to  said  mayor 
and  commonalty.  Item — One  other  parcel  of  land  called  Cheap- 
masland  alias  Ardnevedoge,  containing  by  estimation  half  a  plough- 
land,  now  in  the  possession  of  Simon  Fanning,  for  the  yearly  rent 
of  ten  shillings,   Irish,  paid  to  the  said  mayor  and  commonalty. 

And  the  said  jurors  do  further  say  upon  their  oaths,  that  all  the 
said  lands  specified  in  this  Inquisition,  containing  four  and  twenty 
ploughlands  in  estimation,  are  situated  and  lying  in  the  south  part 
of  the  said  city  of  Limerick  ;  and  further,  the  said  jurors  say  upon  their 
said  oaths,  that  said  mayor  and  commonalty,  are  seised  of  these  lands 
following,  situate,  and  lying  in  the  north  side  of  the  said  city,  and 
being  parcel  of  the  said  forty  ploughlands,  viz.  : — Castleblake,  con- 
taining by  estimation  one  ploughland,  now  in  the  possession  of 
Nicholas  Arthure,  for  the  yearly  rent  of  twenty  shillings,  Irish,  re- 
served to  the  said  maj'or  and  commonalty.  Item — The  parcel  of 
land    called    Kilrush,    containing    by    estimation    half    a    ploughland 


422  DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 

held  by  the  yearly  rent  of  ten  shillings  Irish,  of  the  said  mayor  and 
commonalty,  and  now  in  the  tenure  and  possession  of  Nicholas 
Comyn,  or  David  Comyn,  of  the  said  city,  alderman.  Item — -Another 
parcel  of  land  called  Farenengowen,  alias  Smithsland,  containing  in 
estimation  one  ploughland,  now  in  the  tenure  or  possession  of  David 
White,  of  Limerick,  alderman,  for  the  yearly  rent  of  twenty  shillings 
Irish,  reserved  to  the  said  mayor  and  commonalty.  Item — One 
other  parcel  ol  land,  called  Clowinmackine,  containing  by  estimation 
half  a  ploughland,  now  in  the  possession  of  the  said  David  White 
for  the  yearly  rent  of  ten  shillings  Irish,  reserved  to  the  said  mayor 
and  commonalty.  Item — Four  other  parcels  of  land,  called  Ardne- 
gallagh,  alias  Knockardnegallagh,  Caherdavy,  Shanevolly,  and 
Farrencoumarry,  which  four  parcels  contain  in  estimation  one  plough- 
land,  and  are  now  in  the  possession  of  James  White,  Thomas  Comyn 
and  Rorie  Omighan,  and  by  them  held  of  the  said  Corporation  by 
the  yearlv  rent  of  twenty  shillings,  Irish.  Item — One  other  piece 
of  land,  called  Ballygadynan,  containing  in  estimation  one  plough- 
land,  in  ancient  time  held  from  the  mayor  and  commonalty  by  John 
Blunt,  now  in  the  possession  of  John  Arthure,  for  the  yearly  rent  of 
twenty  shillings,  Irish,  b}^  him  paid  to  the  said  mayor  and  commonalty-. 
Item — One  other  parcel  of  land,  called  Clonecunnon,  alias  Cahirne- 
finellie,  containing  in  estimation  one  ploughland,  now  in  the  tenure 
and  possession  of  David  Com3m  and  Edmond  Comyn,  and  by  them 
held  of  the  said  mayor  and  commonalty  by  the  yearly  rent  of  twenty 
shillings,  Ir'sh.  Item — Two  other  parcels  of  land  called  Cownagh 
and  Clownedrynagh,  containing  by  estimation  one  ploughland,  now 
in  the  possession  of  David  Comyn,  Richard  White,  and  Teige  M'Shane, 
and  held  of  the  said  mayor  and  commonalty  by  the  yearly  rent  of 
twenty  shillings,  Irish.  Item — The  parcels  of  land  called  Bally  Inaghten 
More  Moylish,  and  Bally  Inaghtan  Begg,  which  parcels  contain  in 
estimation  one  ploughland,  and  are  now  in  the  possession  of  William 
Strich,  alderman  ;  John  Arthure  and  James  White,  merchants  ;  and 
held  of  the  said  mayor  and  commonalt}'  by  the  yearly  rent  of  twenty 
shillings,  Irish.  And  the  said  jurors  do  further  say  upon  their  said 
oaths  that  the  land  called  the  Prior's  land,  lying  in  the  north  part 
of  the  Bridge  of  Thomond,  containing  by  estimation  fifteen  acres, 
or  thereabouts,  and  the  parcel  of  land  called  Ffarreny  Killy,  con- 
taining by  estimation  seven  acres,  are  together  estimated  for  one 
half  ploughland,  and  parcel  of  the  said  forty  ploughlands,  which 
Prior's  land  is  part  of  the  former  six  ploughlands  belonging  to  the 
said  St.  Marv's  House,  granted  by  the  King's  Majesty  to  the  said 
Edmond  Sexton,  and  now  in  possession  of  the  said  Edmond  Sexton, 
yielding  no  rent  to  the  said  mayor  and  commonalty  ;  and  the  afore- 
said seven  acres  of  Ffarrenj-killy  is  the  glebe  land  of  the  Rectory  or 
Vicarage  of  Killely,  and  now  in  the  possession  of  the  parson  or  vicar 
of  Killeh'  aforesaid,  paying  no  rent  to  the  said  mayor  and  commonalty  ; 
and  the  said  jurors  do  also  say  upon  their  said  oaths  that  the  yearly 
rent  of  the  burgage  within  the  said  city  of  Limerick  is,  and  always 
hath  been  since  the  first  beginning  thereof,  but  twenty  marks,  Irish, 
and  so  annually  paid,  and  from  time  to  time  levied  of  the  burgesses 
or  citizens  of  Limerick  aforesaid,  and  that  two  mills  called  the  King's 
INIills,  under  one  roof  in  the  west  part  of  the  city  walls,  betwixt  the 
said  city  weir  and  the  rock  called  Corrogower,  upon  the  river  of  the 
Shannon,  near  to  the  King's  Castle  of  Limerick  aforesaid,  were  some- 
times held  by  the  said  maj-or  and  commonalt}-,  whether  by  lease 
or  otherwise  the  said  Jurors  do  not  know,  and  that  the  said  mill  is 
the  mill  for  which  the  sum  of  /20  Irish,  parcel  of  the  sum  of  Ixxiii  i' 


APPENDICES.  423 

six  shillings  and  eight  pence,  Irish,  was  accounted  for  in  the  Exchequer 
and  that  the  said  mills  came  to  the  hands  of  the  late  Queen  Elizabeth, 
who  leased  the  same  to  one  Richard  Strich,  late  of  Limerick,  which 
mill  is  now  in  the  possession  and  occupation  of  William  Strich, 
alderman,  by  force  of  the  said  lease. 

.\nd  the  said  jurors  do  further  say  upon  their  said  oaths  that  the 
lands  undernamed  are  reputed  to  be  the  eight  ploughlands,  parcel 
of  the  said  forty  ploughlands,  wdiich  eight  ploughlands  Richard  De 
Clare  did  hold  of  the  Kings  of  England  as  feoffee  of  the  said  mayor 
and  commonalty,  or  otherwise,  viz.,  one  parcel  of  land,  called  Knock- 
inishin,  containing  one  ploughland,  now  in  the  possession  of  the  now 
Earl  of  Thomond,  one  ploughland  in  Ballycanan,  one  ploughland  in 
Capaghtiemore,  which  two  ploughlands  are  also  in  the  possession  of 
the  said  Earl  of  Thomond,  one  parcel  of  land  called  Glanenegrosse, 
containing  one  ploughland,  now-  in  the  possession  of  Teige  M'Donogh 
O'Brien,  of  Glanenegrosse  aforesaid,  one  ploughland  in  Frybeigh,  in 
the  possession  of  Thomas  iNI'Namara  ;  Owen  M'Mahowne  and  others, 
half  a  ploughland  in  Crattellaghmoell,  now  in  the  possession  of 
Donnell  M'Namara  ffoyne,  half  a  ploughland  in  Crattelaghkeill,  now 
in  the  possession  of  Cowarra  M'Lydda  and  James  Rochfort  ;  half  a 
ploughland  in  Castledonnell,  alias  Crattellaghmore  ;  half  a  plough- 
land  in  Querenboy,  which  two  last-mentioned  half  ploughlands  are 
now  in  the  possession  of  the  heir  of  Edward  White  ;  and  that  the 
aforesaid  lands  so  deemed  to  be  the  eight  ploughlands,  parcel  of  the 
said  forty  ploughlands,  and  held  by  the  said  Richard  De  Clare,  do 
lie  so  near  unto  the  said  city,  and  answer  no  rent  unto  the  said  mayor 
and  commonalty,  are  by  tradition  and  hearsay  from  ancient  men 
affirmed  to  be  within  the  old  and  ancient  liberties  and  bounds  first 
limited  to  the  said  city,  in  the  north-west  side  of  the  said  city. 

In  witness  whereof,  as  well  the  said  commissioners  as  also  the 
said  jurors  have  put  their  seals  to  the  one  part  of  this  inquisition 
remaining  with  the  said  commissioners  ;  and  the  said  commissioners 
have  put  their  hands  and  seals  to  the  other  part  of  the  said  inquisition 
remaining  with  the  said  jurors,  the  day  and  year  above  said. 

Fr.  Aungier.  Jo.  Davys. 

Exr.   per  me,    Jacob   Newman,   Cler.   in   Officio  Magri   Rottulor, 
delibat  in  Ca~rP   (domniic)    Roch.  Gen.  xxv'o    November,   16 16. 


D. 

A  BULL  IN  REFERENCE  TO  THE  DISPUTE  BETWEEN  PETER 
CREAGH,  BISHOP  OF  LIMERICK,  AND  THE  FRANCISCANS. 
{Anno   Christi,    1176— Gregoru  XL  Anno  6.) 

CIV. 
Ut   examinet  objecta   Episcopo   Limiricensi. 
Venerabili  Fratri  Archiepiscopo  Cantuarie.v. 

Exhibita  nobis  pro  parte  Vener.  Fratris  nostri  Philippi  .\rchie- 
piscopi  Cassellen.  petitio  Continebat,  quod  eb  antiquo  tempore  citra, 
Archiepiscopus  Cassellen,  qui  est  pro  tempore,  etiam  per  litteras 
Apostolicas  fuit,  et  hodie  est  dictus  Philippus  Conservator  privilegiorum, 
Fratribus  Ordinis  Minorum  in  HiberniaaSede  Apostolica  concessorum^ 
specialiter   deputatus  ;   quodque   dudum  ci\m   dilecti   filii   Guardianug 


424  DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 

et  Fratres  dicte  Ordinis  Limiricen.  per  Vener.  Fratrem  nostrum  Petrum 
Episcopum  Limiricen.  etiam  contra  privilegia  eisdem  a  Sede  praedicta 
concessa,  multipliciter  gravarentur,  et  persequarentur,  ac  damnificaren- 
tur ;  dicti  Guardianus  et  Fratres  ad  praefatum  Cassellen.  Archiepiscopum, 
tanquam  eorum  Conservatorem  accesserunt,  lamentabiliter  conquerentes 
de  maximis  grava  minibus,  et  damnis  per  ipsum  Episcopum  illatis,  et 
que  inferebantur  tota  die,  ipsumque  Archiepiscopum  humiliter  re- 
quisiverunt,  ut  supri  praemissis  de  opportune  eis  remedio  provideret  ; 
dictusque  Archiepiscopus  volens  officium  hujusmodi  conservationis 
adimpleri,  et  nolens  dictis  conquerentibus  in  justitia  deficere,  ad 
praefatum  Episcopum  Limiricen.  personalitor  accessit,  ipsumque  ut 
compareret,  querelis  dictorum  conquerentium  responsurus,  certis  loco 
et  tempore  citavit,  qui  quidem  Episcopus  animo  rebellionis  assumpto, 
illico  in  dictum  Archiepiscopum  Cassellen.  Conservatorem.  etiam  suum 
Metropolitanum,  manus  injicit  temere  violentas,  ac  citationem,  quam 
idem  Archiepiscopus  in  suis  manibus  tenebat  ;  violenter  rapuit  in 
tantum  quod  sanguis  a  manibus  ipsius  Archiepiscopi  emanavit,  verba- 
que  injurisosa,  tanquam  homo  extra  mentem,  in  ipsum  Archiepiscopum 
protulit;  dicendo  inter  alia,  quod  recederet  de  loco,  alioquin  sibi,  et 
suis  omnibus  male  esse  deberet.  dictusque  Archiepiscopus  timens  multitu- 
dinem  malorum,  cum  armis  eidem  Episcopo  assistentium  et  considerans 
Episcopi  furoram,  statim  de  dicto  locorecessit,  ne  ipse  etfamiliares  sui 
ibidem  male  tractarentur  ;  quodque  postmodum  eum  dictus  Archiepisco- 
pus sedens  pro  tribunali,  ipsum  Episcopum  certis  loco  et  tempore  coram 
es  tanquam  Conservatore  hujusmodi  Fratrum  dicti  Ordinis  citari  fecisset 
dictus  Episcopus  comparere  per  se,  vel  per  procuratorem  recusavit; 
et  quod  deterius  eisdem  Religiosis  post  hujusmodi  citationem,  quam 
plura  gravamina  intulit  ;  ac  omnes  de  dioecesi  sua  Limiricen.  in  ecclesia 
dictorum,  Fratrum,  ad  divina  accedentes,  aut  se  ibidem  sepeliri  facientes, 
ut  dicebat,  excommunicavit.  Prasterea  idem  Episcopus  cum  per  plura 
tempora  propter  debita  Camera  Apostolicae  excommunicatus  fuisset, 
huiusmodiexcommunicationem  scienter  sustinuit,  et  ut  priusdivinis,  in 
sepulturis  nobilium  publice  celebrando,  se  immiscuit,  irregularitateni 
incurrendo  :  ipseque  Episcopus  de  praemissis  reprehensus,  non  curavit 
aliquem  habere  superiorem,  sed  sibi  sufficiebat,  quod 'inter  suos  natives 
viveret  in  deliciis.  Et  insuper  cum  idem  Episcopus  contra  fidem 
Catholicam,  et  determinationem  Ecclesiae  in  haeresim  notorie  incidisset ; 
dictusque  Archiepiscopus  ex  eo  quod  est  Metropolitanus,  et  idem 
Episcopus  sibi  de  jure  est  subjectus,  nolens  etiam  quod  plures  per 
hujusmodi  hoeresim  infecerentur,  ad  dictum  Episcopum  zelo  fidei 
personaliter  accessit  ;  ipsumque  ut  certa  die,  coram  eo  in  praefata 
Limiricen.  dioecesi  compareret,  ad  certum  locum  citavit,  super  praemissis 
responsurus.  Qui  quidem  Episcopus,  quasi  homo  extra  mentem 
indignatus,  cum  suis  in  hac  parte  complicibus,  et  praesertim  cum 
Clericis  suis,  et  cruce,  quam  ante  se  deferri  faciebat,  aufugisset,  pro- 
cul  dubio  verberasset.  Insuper  quoque  idem  Episcopus  post  ipsuis 
Archiepiscopi  recessum,  Pontificalibus  indutus  unacum  suis  com- 
plicibus civitatem  Limiricen.  intrans,  omnes  et  singulos,  dicto  Archie- 
piscopo,  et  suis  victualia,  aut  hospitium  ministrantes,  publice  in  medio 
civitatis,  candelis  extinctis  excommunicavit.  Cumque  idem  Archie- 
piscopus die  quadam  solemni,  in  pra;fata  civitate  Limiricen.  prout 
alibi  cop.sueverat  ad  praedicandum  verbum  Dei  ex  devotione  Sedem 
posiusset  ;  praefatus  Episcopus  hsec  praesciens,  per  dictam  civitatem 
Limiricen.  praeconizari  fecit,  ne  aliquis  sub  poena  excommunicationis 
ad  sermonem  dicti  Archiepiscopi  accederet  ;  et  si  qui  ibidem  accederent, 
illos  noninatim  excommunicaret  ;  ipsoque  Archiepiscopo  recedente, 
dictus  Episcopus  rebellis  et  tyrannus,  suos  ad  publicam  verecundiam 


APPENDICES.  425 

eidem  Archiepiscopo  inferendam  misit  satellites  ;  qui  quidem  satellites 
ad  mandatum  dicti  Episcopi,  in  ipsum  Archiepiscopum  per  medium 
dictse  civitatis  equitantem,  inanus  injecerunt  temere  violentas,  et 
fraenum  de  capite  equi  repuerunt.  Ad  hoc  prsfatus  Episcopus  Limiricen. 
cum  praedictis  suis  complicibus  dictum  Archiepiscopum  Cassellen.  in 
exercitio  su^  jurisdictionis  Metropolitica?,  ac  in  officio  visitationis 
exercendo  impedise  mutipliciter  non  expavit.  Quare  pro  parte  dicte 
Archiepiscopi  nobis  fuit  humiliter  supplicatum,  ut  omnes  et  singulas 
causas,  tarn  civiles,  quam  criminales,  quas  praefatus  Archiepiscopus 
contra  prsfatum  Episcopum  Limiricen.  ac  ejus  complices  praedictos, 
de  et  super  sacrilegiis,  contemptibus,  invasionibus,  injuriis  et  aliis 
omnibus  supradictis  movere  intendit,  alicui  committere  de  benig- 
nitate  Apostolica  dignaremur.  Nos  itaque,  etc.,  inclinati,  fraternitati 
tuae,  per,  etc.,  mandemi»s,  quatenus  si  de  hujusmodi  manuum  injectione 
in  dictum  Archiepiscopum  tibi  constiterit,  praedictum  Episcopum,  et 
alios  sacrileges,  tamdiu,  appellatione  remota,  excommunicates  publice 
nunties,  et  facias  ab  aliis  nuntiari,  et  ab  omnibus  arctius  evitari  ; 
donee  praefato  Archiepiscopo  congrue  satisfuerint,  et  cum  tuarum 
testimonio  litterarum  ad  Sedem  praefatam  venerint  absolvendi  :  super 
aliis  vero,  vocatis,  qui  fuerint  evocandi,  et  auditis  hinc  inde  propositio 
quod  justum  fuerit,  appellatione  remota  decernas,  faciens,  quod 
decreveris  auctoritate  nostra  firmiter  observari.  Caeterum  si  forsan 
Episcopi,  et  ejus  complicum  praedictorum  praesentia  pro  citationibus 
de  ipsis  faciendis  secure  vel  commode  haberi  nequiret,  tibi  citationes 
quaslibet  per  edicta  publica  in  locis  circumvicinis  affigenda  publicis, 
de  quibus  verisimilis  sit  conjectura,  quod  ad  notitiam  citatorum 
hujusmodi  pervenire  valeat  faciendi,  plenam  concedimus  tenore 
praesentium  potestatem  ;  et  volumus  quod  perinde  ipsos  citatos 
arctent,  ac  si  eis  facto  et  insinuatas  praesentealiter,  et  personaliter 
€xtitissent,  non  obstan.  tam  til.  rec  Bonifacii  Papae  VIII.  praede- 
cesoris  nostri,  in  in  quibus  cavetur  ne  quis  extra  suam  civitatem  et 
dicecesim,  nisi  in  certis  exceptis  casibus,  et  in  illis  ultra  unam  diaetam 
a  fine  suae  dioecesis  ad  judicum  evocetur  :  seu  judices  a  Sede  deputati 
praedicta,  aliquos  ultra  unam  diaetam  a  fine  dioecesis  eorum  trahere 
praesumat  ;  ac  de'  duabus  diaetis  in  concilio  general],  quam  aliis  qui- 
bus cunque  constitutionibus,  a  pra?decessoribus  nostris  Romanis 
Pontilicibus,  tam  de  judicibus  delegatis,  quam  personis  ultra  certum 
numerum  ad  judicium  non  trahendis  ;  aut  aliis  editis,  quae  tuae  possent 
m  hac  parte  jurisdictioni  aut  potestati,  ejusque  libero  exercitio  quo- 
modolibet  obviare  :  seu  si  aliquibus,  etc.,  quod  interdici,  etc.,  de 
indulto  hujusmodi  mentionem.  Datum  Avinione,  13  Calend.  Septembr. 
anno  sexto. 


E. 

CHARTER  OF  HENRY  VI  TO  THE  CITY  OF  LIMERICK  a.d.  1423. 
Amongst  the  Records  in  the  Tower  of  London. 

The  King  to  all  to  whom,  and  soforth,  greeting.  We  have  in- 
■spected  our  Letters  Patent,  made  in  these  words  :  Henry,  by  the  grace 
of  God,  King  of  England  and  France,  and  Lord  of  Ireland,  to  all  to 
whom  our  present  letters  shall  come,  greeting.  It  appears  to  us, 
by  inspection  of  the  Rolls  of  Chancery  of  the  Lord  Henry,  late  King 
of  England,  our  father,  that  our  said  father  caused  his  charter  of 
confirmation  to  be  made  in  these  words  : — 

Henry,  by  the  grace  of  God  King  of  England  and  France,  and 


426  DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 

Lord  of  Ireland,  to  the  Archbishops,  Bishops,  Abbots,  Priors,  Dukes,. 
Earls,  Barons,  Justices,  Sheriffs,  Provosts,  Ministers,  and  all  Bailifis 
and  faithful  subjects  there.  We  have  inspected  the  Letters  Patent 
of  the  Lord  Henry,  late  King  of  England,  our  father,  made  in  these 
words  : — 

Henry,  by  the  grace  of  God,  King  of  England  and  France,  and 
Lord  of  Ireland,  to  all  to  whom  our  present  letters  shall  come,  greeting. 
We  have  inspected  the  charter  of  the  Lord  Edward,  formerly  King 
of  England,  our  progenitor,  under  his  great  seal,  which  was  used  in 
Ireland,  in  these  words  : — 

Edward,  by  the  grace  of  God  King  of  England,  Lord  of  Ireland, 
and  Duke  of  Acquitaine,  to  all  whom  our  present  letters  shall  come, 
greeting.  Know  ye  that  we  have  inspected  our  Charter,  which  we 
made  to  our  citizens  of    Limerick,  in  these  words  : — 

Edward,  by  the  grace  of  God,  King  of  England,  Lord  of  Ireland, 
and  Duke  of  Acquitaine,  to  the  Archbishops,  Bishops,  Abbots,  Priors, 
Earls,  Barons,  Justices,  Sheriffs,  Provosts,  Ministers,  and  all  Bailifis 
and  faithful  subjects  in  Ireland,  greeting. 

Whereas,  Lord  John,  our  grandfather,  while  he  was  Lord  of 
Ireland,  and  Earl  of  Moreton,  before  he  received  the  reins  of  the 
kingdom  of  England,  by  his  charter  had  granted  to  the  citizens  of 
Limerick  all  the  liberties  and  free  customs  which  the  citizens  of 
Dublin  everywhere  used  through  whatsoever  charters  of  the  Kings 
of  England  and  Lords  of  Ireland  ;  and  the  said  citizens  of  Limerick, 
although  these  liberties  and  customs  are  not  expressed  in  the 
charter  aforesaid,  nevertheless  have  always  hitherto  used  these 
liberties  and  free  customs  from  the  time  of  the  execution  of  the 
same,  as  by  a  certain  inquisition  thereof  made  pursuant  to  our  writ  by 
Geffry  de  Geynville,  lately  our  Justiciary  of  Ireland,  evidently  appears. 
We  having  inspected  the  transcripts  of  the  charters  of  the  liberties  of 
the  aforesaid  citizens  of  Dublin,  sent  to  us  for  the  purpose,  according 
to  our  precept,  by  our  beloved  and  faithful  William  de  Vesey,  our 
Justiciary  of  Ireland,  at  the  requisition  of  our  citizens  of  Limerick, 
and  for  the  amelioration  of  the  said  city,  in  order  that  all  ambiguity 
may  be  taken  away  from  those  things  which  affect  the  liberties  and 
free  customs  of  the  aforesaid  citizens  of  Limerick,  have  granted, 
and  by  this  our  charter  have  confirmed,  the  liberities  and  free  customs 
expressed  in  the  aforesaid  charters  of  Dublin,  specified  in  form  follow- 
ing : — to  wit,  that  no  citizen  of  Limerick  shall  plead  without  the  walls 
of  the  said  city  to  any  plea  except  pleas  of  exterior  tenements,  which 
do  not  appertain  to  the  Hundred  of  the  aforesaid  city. 

And  that  they  may  be  quieted  of  murder  within  the  bounds  of 
the  said  city  ;  and  that  no  citizen  engage  in  duel  in  the  same  city  on 
any  appeal  which  any  one  may  make  against  him,  but  shall  clear  him- 
self by  the  oaths  of  forty  men  of  the  said  city  who  are  legal  ;  and  that 
nobody  shall  take  a  hostel  within  the  walls  by  the  assize  or  livery 
of  the  marshals  against  the  will  of  the  aforesaid  citizens  ;  and  that  the 
citizens  be  free  from  toll,  lastage,  passage,  and  pondage,  and  from 
all  other  customs  throughout  all  our  land  and  dominions. 

And  that  none  of  the  said  citizens  be  sentenced  to  an  amerce- 
ment of  money  except  according  to  the  law  of  the  aforesaid  Hundred, 
to  wit,  by  the  forefeiture  of  forty  shillings,  whereof  he  who  has  fallen 
into  amercement  shall  be  acquitted  of  the  half,  and  shall  give  the 
other  half  in  amercement,  except  in  three  amercements,  to  wit,  of  the 
assize  of  bread  and  beer  broken,  and  of  watches,  which  amercements 
are  of  two  shillings  and  six  pence,  whereof  one-half  shall  be  remitted 


APPENDICES.  427 

rendered  in  amercement  ;  and  that   the  Hundred  be  held  once  only 
in  the  week  in  said  city. 

And  that  in  no  plea  can  any  one  plead  by  miskenyingham.  And 
that  they  may  rightfully  have  their  lands  and  tenures,  and  securities, 
and  debts,  throughout  'all  our  land  and  dominions,  whosoever  may 
owe  them  ;  and  that  they  may  distrain  their  debtors  by  distress  in 
Limerick  ;  and  that  right  be  done  them  concerning  the  lands  and 
tenures  which  are  within  the  said  city,  according  to  the  custom  of  the 
said  city  ;  and  that  pleas  be  held  there  concerning  the  debts  which 
are  accommodated,  and  the  bails  which  are  given  in  the  said  city, 
according  to  the  custom  of  the  said  city. 

Saving  to  us  and  our  heirs  the  pleas  appertaining  to  our  crown  ; 
and  if  any  one  shall  levy  toll  of  the  men  of  the  aforesaid  city  any- 
where in  our  land  or  dominions,  and  shall  not  restore  it  after  he  shall 
have  been  required  so  to  do,  the  Provost  of  the  said  city  shall  take  it 
in  distress  at  Limerick,  and  shall  distrain  him  to  restore  it. 

And  that  no  strange  merchant  shall  buy  grain,  hides,  or  wool, 
within  the  said  city,  from  a  stranger,  but  only  from  the  citizens  of 
the  said  city. 

And  that  no  stranger  shall  have  a  wine-tavern  in  said  city, 
except  in  a  ship,  this  liberty  being  reserved  to  us,  however,  that  out 
of  every  ship  which  shall  happen  to  go  thither  with  wine,  our  bailiff 
shall  select  two  casks  of  wine  for  our  own  use,  whichsoever  they  please 
in  the  ship,  to  wit,  one  before  the  mast  and  one  behind  the  mast, 
for  forty  shillings,  to  wit,  one  for  twenty  shillings,  and  the  other  for 
twenty  shillings,  and  he  shall  take  nothing  more,  unless  by  the  consent 
of  the  merchant. 

And  that  uo  stranger  shall  sell  cloth  by  retail  in  said  city,  nor 
remain  in  the  said  city  with  his  merchandize  for  sale  there,  unless  for 
forty  days,  and  that  no  citizen  of  Limerick  shall  be  distrained  in 
our  land  or  dominions  for  any  debt,  unless  he  be  a  debtor  or  security, 
and  that  they  may  marry  themselves  and  their  sons  and  daughters, 
and  the  widows  of  the  sa'id  city,  without  license  of  their  lords. 

And  that  none  of  their  lords  shall  have  the  custody  or  disposal 
of  their  sons  or  daughters,  or  widows,  on  account  of  their  external 
lands  of  the  aforesaid  citizens,  but  only  the  custody  of  their  external 
tenements,  which  are  of  their  fee,  until  they  shall  be  of  age  ;  and 
that  they  may  have  all  their  reasonable  guilds,  as  the  burgesses  of 
Bristol  have,  or  are  best  accustomed  to  have  ;  and  that  no  citizen 
of  the  said  city  shall  be  compelled  to  replevy  any  one  unless  he 
wishes  it  himself,  although  he  be  dwelling  on  his  own  land. 

And  that  neither  the  Templars  nor  the  Hospitallers  shall  have 
any  man  or  messuage  free  from  the  common  customs  of  the  said 
city,  within  the  said  liberty  of  the  said  city,  except  one  only.  More- 
over we  have  granted  to  the  said  citizens  that  they  may  elect  annually 
from  among  themselves  one  discreet  and  suitable  Mayor,  who  shall 
be  faithful  to  us,  and  useful  for  the  government  of  the  said  city,  so 
that,  when  the  said  Mayor  shall  have  been  elected,  he  shall  be  pre- 
sented to  us  or  to  our  Justiciary  of  Ireland,  if  we  be  not  present  there, 
and  shall  swear  allegiance  to  us. 

And  that  it  mav  be  lawful  for  the  same  citizens  to  remove  the 
said  Mayor  at  the  end  of  the  year,  and  to  elect  him,  or  another,  and 
to  present  him  in  form  aforesaid,  and  that  the  said  citizens  may  have 
all  the  tenures  pertaining  to  the  said  city  at  their  disposal,  according 
to  their  pleasure,  by  the  common  consent  of  the  citizens  aforesaid, 
as  in  messuages,  shrubberies,  buildings  on  the  water,  and  elsewhere, 
wheresoever  they  may  be  within  the  liberty  of  the  said  city,  to  be 
held  in  free  burgage,' to  wit,  by  landgable  service. 


428  DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 

And  that  each  of  them  may  suit  himself  in  making  buildings  where- 
soever he  will  on  the  bank  in  said  city,  without  the  injury  of  the  said 
citizens  of  the  said  city,  and  that  the  said  citizens  may  have  and 
possess  all  the  void  land  and  places  in  the  aforesaid  liberty,  to  be 
built  upon  at  their  pleasure,  and  for  the  advantage  of  the  said 
city. 

Furthermore,  we  have  granted  to  the  said  citizens  of  Limerick 
that  they  may  have  one  fair  annually  at  Limerick,  to  continue  for 
fifteen  days,  to  wit,  on  the  eve,  day,  and  morrow  of  St.  James  the 
Apostle,  and  for  the  twelve  subsequent  da3's,  unless  the  said  fair 
be   to   the   injury  of  neighbouring  fairs. 

Wherefore  we  will  and  firmly  enjoin,  for  us  and  our  heirs,  that 
the  aforesaid  citizens  of  Limerick  and  their  successors,  citizens  of 
the  said  city,  may  have  all  the  aforesaid  liberties  and  free  customs 
aforesaid  for  ever  ;  and  that  they  may  choose  from  among  them- 
selves one  Mayor  annually,  and  that  they  may  have  all  their  tenures 
within  the  walls  of  the  said  city,  to  be  holden  in  free  burgage,  to  wit, 
by  landgable  service,  and  that  each  of  them  may  suit  himself  in 
erecting  buildings  wheresoever  he  pleases  on  the  bank  of  the  said  city  ; 
and  that  they  ma^^  have  and  possess  all  the  void  land  and  places 
in  the  aforesiad  liberty  at  their  will,  and  for  the  advantage  of  the 
said  city  to  be  built  upon. 

Saving  to  us  and  our  heirs  our  pleas  pertaining  to  our  crown. 
And  that  they  may  have  the  aforesaid  fair  at  Limerick  annually, 
to  contiiiue  for  fifteen  days,  to  wit,  one  the  eve,  day,  and  morrow  of 
St.  James  the  Apostle,  and  for  twelve  subsequent  days,  with  all  the 
liberties  and  free  customs  pertaining  to  such  kind  of  fair,  unless  said 
fair  be  to  the  injury  of  the  neighbouring  fairs,  as  is  aforesaid,  and  we 
forbid  any  one  to  vex  or  disturb  them  in  anywise  on  this  account, 
on  pain  of  our  forfeiture. 

Witnesses  :  the  Venerable  father  R.  Bishop  of  Bath  and  Wells, 
and  W.  Bishop  of  Ely  ;  Edmund  our  brother  ;  William  Valencia  our 
uncle  ;  G.  de  Clare,  Earl  of  Gloucester  and  Hertfort  ;  Henry  de  Lacy, 
Earl  of  Lincoln  ;  William  de  Bello  Campo,  Earl  of  Warwick  ;  Robert 
Typelot  ;  Walter  de  Bello  Campo,  Peter  de  Campania,  Robert  Mallet, 
and  others.  Given  under  our  hand  at  Westminster,  the  fourth  day 
of  February,  in  the  twentieth  year  of  our  reign. 

In  testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  these  our  letters  to  be 
made  patent.  Witness,  John  Wogan,  our  Justiciary  of  Ireland,  at 
Dublin,  on  the  sixth  day  of  May,  in  the  thirty-first  year  of  our  reign. 

We,  however,  deeming  the  aforesaid  gifts  and  grants  ratified 
and  acceptable  for  us  and  our  heirs,  as  far  as  in  us  is,  accept  and  a 
approve  of  them,  and  of  our  special  grace  we  grant  and  confirm  to 
our  beloved,  the  present  citizens  of  the  aforesaid  city,  and  their  heirs 
and  successors,  citizens  of  said  city,  as  the  aforesaid  charter  reasonable 
testifies,  and  as  the  said  citizens  and  their  ancestors  and  predecessors, 
citizens  of  the  said  city,  have  had  and  holden  the  aforesaid  lands 
and  places  hitherto,  and  have  reasonably  used  and  enjoyed  the 
liberties  and  requittances  aforesaid,  and  every  of  them,  from  the 
time  of  the  execution  of  the  charter  aforesaid. 

In  testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  these  our  letters  to  be  made 
patent.  Witness  myself  at  Westminster,  the  twenty-six  day  of 
June,  in  the  first  year  of  our  reign. 

I3ut  we,  deeming  the  aforesaid  gifts,  grants,  and  confirmations, 
ratified  and  acceptable  for  us  and  our  heirs,  as  far  as  in  us  is,  accept 
and  approve  of  them,  and  of  our  special  grace  grant  and  confirm 
them  to  our  beloved  the  present  citizens  of  the  aforesaid  city,  and  to 


APPENDICES.  429 

their  heirs  and  successors,   citizens  of  ths  said  city,   as   the  aforesaid 
Charter  and  Letters  reasonably  testify. 

Furthermore,  wiUing  to  grant  greater  favour  to  the  said  citizens 
in  this  behalf,  we  have  granted,  for  us  and  our  heirs,  as  far  as  in  us 
is,  to  the  said  citizens,  that  alhough  they  or  their  predecessors  have 
not  hitherto  fully  used  up  anv  or  more  of  the  liberties  and  allowances 
contained  in  the  aforesaid  charter  and  letters  on  any  urgent  occasion, 
nevertheless,  the  said  citizens,  and  their  heirs  and  successors,  citizens 
of  said  city,  mav  hereafter  fully  enjoy  and  use  the  liberties  and 
allowances  aforesaid,  and  every  of  them,  without  interruption  or 
impeachment  of  us  of  our  heirs,  justices,  escheators,  sheriffs,  or  other, 
the  bailiffs  or  ministers  of  us  or  of  our  heirs  whomseover. 

And  further,  of  our  more  abundant  grace,  and  in  consideration 
of  the  great  labours  and  expenses  which  the  aforesaid  Mayor  and 
community  have  long  sustained,  and  are  still  likely  to  sustain,  in 
resisting  the  Irish  enemies,  and  in  repairing  and  mending  the  walls 
of  the  aforesaid  city,  for  fortification  against  the  aforesaid  enemies, 
we  have  granted,  for  us  and  our  heirs,  to  the  aforesaid  Mayor  and 
community  of  the  said  city,  and  their  heirs  and  successors  for  ever, 
the  articles  and  liberties  underwritten,  to  wit,  that  they  may  assemble 
in  a  certain  place  within  the  aforesiad  city  at  pleasure,  and  establish 
and  ordain  ordinances  and  statutes  for  the  advantage  of  the  said  city. 
And  that  they  may  elect  a  Mayor  and  two  Bailiffs  for  the  govern- 
ment of  the  said  city,  to  continue  for  one  year,  and  so  from  year  to 
year  for  ever  ;  and  that  the  said  Mayor  thus  elected  shall  receive 
and  take  his  oath  of  fealty  before  the  Mayor  who  was  next  before  him  ; 
or  otherwise,  in  failure  of  him,  whether  occurring  by  death  or  other 
impediment,  before  the  citizens  of  the  city  aforesaid. 

And  that  the  Bailiffs  shall  take  their  oaths  before  the  Mayor 
for  the  time  being,  so  that  any  of  them  may  not  go  without  the  said 
city  to  take  such  oath  ;  and  that  the  said  Mayor  and  BaiUffs  for  the 
time  being  may  have  cognizance  of  all  kinds  of  pleas,  real  and  personal 
assize  of  new  disseisin,  death  of  an  ancestor,  and  all  pleas  of  lands, 
rents  and  tenements  within  the  said  city  and  suburbs  thereof,  and  of  all 
contracts,  plaints,  and  transgressions  whatever  ;  to  arrest  and  attach 
every  person  whomsover,  by  his  body  or  by  his  goods  and  chattels, 
within  the  said  city,  for  contracts,  transgressions,  and  plamts  com- 
menced and  perpertrated  within  the  said  city,  mearings,  bounds, 
limits,  precincts  of  the  franchise,  and  to  imprison  and  punish  them 
according  to  law,  when  necessary,  and  to  permit  them  to  go  at  large 
out  of  prison.  ,    „    , 

And  that  the  Mayor  for  the  time  being  shall  be  escheator, 
coroner,  and  inquisitor  there,  and  that  they  may  have  all  the  profits 
of  all  pleas  accruing  within  the  said  city  ;  and  also  that  none  of  our 
justices,  escheators,searchers,coroners,clerks  of  the  market,  nor  any  other 
of  the  ministers  of  us  or  our  heirs,  justices  of  the  peace,  labourers  or 
artificers,  shall  enter  or  introduce  himself  on  account  of  any  acts  done 
within  the  aforesaid  city,  except  on  account  of  felonies  which  must  be 
decided  by  commission,  to  be  sped  to  a  certain  person,  and  to  the 
Mayor  there  for  the  time  being  ;  and  that  the  said  Mayor  for  the 
time  being,  and  his  successors,  for  ever,  may  have  full  power  and 
jurisdiction  within  the  aforesaid  city,  and  the  limits  and  precincts 
thereof,  to  inquire  into,  hear,  and  determine  all  kinds  of  articles, 
plaints'  and  defects  which  pertain  to  the  said  offices  of  escheator, 
coroner,  searcher,  and  justice  of  the  peace,  and  of  labourers  and 
artificers,  according  to  the  uses  and  customs  which  have  been  hereto- 
fore in  Ireland,  and  according  to  what  common  right  exacts  and  requires. 


430  DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 

And  that  the  said  Mayor  and  community  of  the  said  city  and 
their  successors  for  ever  may  have  all  manner  of  fines,  amercements, 
and  issues,  to  a  justice  of  peace  pertaining,  and  all  manner  of  other 
forfeitures,  chattels  of  fugitives  and  felons,  escapes  of  felons,  waifs 
and  strays,  amercements,  forfeitures  of  victuals,  bread,  beer,  and 
other  victuals,  and  tolls,  and  also  the  customs  called  "  coket,"  within 
the  said  city  lawfully  be  to  levied  ;  and  that  they  may  collect  and 
receive  all  the  premises  by  their  proper  officers  to  their  own  use,  as 
well  by  land  as  by  water,  and  the  profits  of  a  certain  fishery  which 
is  called  "  Lex  Were,"  with  its  appurtenances,  to  the  said  mayor 
and  community,   and  their  successors  for  ever. 

And  that  no  one  of  the  said  city  shall  implead  another,  or  be 
impleaded  by  another  before  us,  or  before  any  of  our  justices,  on 
account  of  land,  tenement,  rent,  or  service,  or  of  any  other  thing 
issuing  from  within  the  said  city,  by  land  or  by  water,  but  every 
one  shall  be  bound  to  prosecute  before  the  mayor  and  bailiffs  within 
the  said  city  ;  and  that  no  lieutenant,  justiciary,  or  other  minister  of 
ns  or  our  heirs  in  our  land  of  Ireland,  shall  seize,  or  presume  in  any 
manner  to  seize,  the  franchises  and  liberties  aforesaid  into  the  hands 
of  us  or  our  heirs,  without  the  special  mandate  of  us  or  our  heirs, 
under  our  Great  Seal  of  England  ;  and  that  no  one  of  the  same  city 
shall,  by  himself  or  another,  forestall  any  merchandize  or  victuals 
by  which  we  may  lose  our  custom,  and  this  on  pain  of  forfeiting  his 
franchise. 

And  that  they  may  hold  their  market  as  they  have  been  ac- 
customed from  of  old  to  hold  it  ;  and  also  that  no  one  who  is  an 
Irishman  by  blood  and  nation  (the  term  "  Irishman  "  being  under- 
stood and  taken  as  it  is  accustomed  to  be  taken  and  understood  in 
our  land  of  Ireland)  shall  be  mayor,  or  exercise  any  office  within  the 
aforesaid  city  ;  nor  shall  any  one  within  the  aforesaid  city  take  or 
maintain  any  man  or  child  of  the  Irish  blood  and  nation  as  is  aforesaid 
as  an  apprentice,  under  penalty  of  forfeiting  his  franchise  in  the 
aforesaid    city. 

And  that  no  lieutenant,  or  other  deputy  or  minister  of  us  whom- 
soever, within  our  said  land  of  Ireland,  shall  make  or  compel  any 
person  of  the  same  city  to  work  in  any  service  without  the  said  city, 
but  that  they  shall  dwell  there  under  the  safe  custody  of  our  city 
aforesaid.  These  being  witnesses  :  the  Ven.  Fathers  Hr.  Windton, 
our  uncle  ;  our  most  dear  Chancellor,  Thomas  Bishop  of  Durham, 
and  H.  Bishop  of  St.  David  ;  our  most  dear  brother,  Thomas  Duke 
of  Clarence  ;  our  most  dear  cousin,  Edward  Duke  of  York  ;  Thomas 
Arundel,  Richard  Wair  ;  our  most  dear  cousins,  Earls  Henry  Fitzhugh  ; 
our  Chamberlain,  Thomas  Erpingham,  Seneschal  of  our  Household 
Knights  ;  Master  John  Prophete,  Keeper  of  our  Privy  Seal,  and 
others.  Given  under  our  hand  at  Westminster  on  the  twentieth 
day  of  January,  in  the  first  year  of  our  reign. 

.''J  But  we  have  thought  fit  to  cause  the  tenor  of  the  enrolment 
of  the  aforesaid  Charter,  at  the  request  of  the  present  citizens  of 
Limerick,  to  be  exemplified.  In  testimony  whereof  we  have  caused 
these  our  letters  to  be  made  patent.  Witness  myself  at  Westminster 
on|the  twenty-seventh  day  of  November,  in  the  second  year  of  our 
reign. 

|.^.,  ^But  we,  with  the  advice  and  assent  of  the  Lords  spiritual  and 
temporal,  in  our  Parliament  held  at  Westminster  in  the  first  year 
of  our  reign  above,  ratify  and  conform  the  aforesaid  Letters  con- 
cerning such  franchises,  liberties,  and  allowances  which  are  not  at 
alKrevoked,   as   the  letters  aforesaid  reasonably   testify,   and   as   the 


APPENDICES.  431 

said  citizens  ought  to  use  them,  and  as  their  ancestors,  citizens  of  the 
«aid  citv  of  Limerick,  have  always  hitherto  been  accustomed  rationally 
to  use  and  enjoy  those  franchises,  liberties,  and  allowances,  from  the 
time  of  the  execution  of  the  charters  and  letters  aforesaid. 

Witness  the  King,  at  Westminster,  the  twelfth  day  of  December. 

By  Writ  of  Privy  Seal. 


F. 

PROVINCIAL  SYNOD  OF  CASHEL.  HELD  IN  LIMERICK,  1453. 

(See  Wilkiiis'  Councils,  Vol.  iii.,  p.  565  et  seq.) 

Papae  Rom.  Archiep.  Cant.  Anno  Christi  Regf.  Ang^liae 

Nicolai  V.  7.  John  Kempe  2.  1453.  Henric  VI.  32. 

Concilium  Provinciale  Cashellense  Limerici  celebratum  in  quo 
sequentia  statuta  ordinata  sunt.  Ex  Ms.  penes  Joh.  Episcopuui 
Clogherensem. 

Ad  honorem  Dei  Patris  Omnipotentis,  Filii,  et  Spiritus  Sancti,  nec- 
non  pro  ampliore  conservatione  libertatis  ordinat  Sancta  Synodus  in 
sacro  provinciali  concilio,  Limerici  celebrato  die  Lunae  proximo  post 
festuni,  quod  dicitur  Ad  vincula.     Anno  Dominie,  1453. 

1.  Quod  ordinarii  locorum  singulis  annis  diligenter  attendant,  et 
inquiri  faciant,  qualiter  in  suis  dioecesibus  divina  officia  celebrantur, 
diesque  Dominici,  et  aliae  festivitates  venerabiliter  observantur. 

2.  Statutum  est,  quod  ministri  ecclesiarum  omnibus  diebus  Domi- 
nicis,  et  aliis  festivitatibus  horas  canonicas  in  suis  ecclesiis  ordinate 
dicant,  et  aliis  diebus  quomodo  valeant,  et  tamen  praemissa  trina 
campanarum  pulsatione  saltem  in  diebus  testis  missas  et  alia  divina 
otficia  celebrenter,  etiam  ter  in  qualibet  hebdomada,  excommunicatis 
er  interdictis  exclusis,  sub  poena  xl.  den.  ab  exorcista  et  curatis  toties, 
quoties  neglegentibus,  episcopo  visitanti,  aut  ejus  ofhciali  solvendorum  ; 
quibus  diebus  Dominicis,  et  festis  per  ecclesiam  publicatis  cessent 
omnes  populi  christiani,  clerici  et  laici,  ab  omni  opere  civili,  et  ad 
officia  divma  audienda  conveniant,  sub  poena  excommunicationis  per 
praelatos   ecclesiarum    ferendae. 

3.  Statutum  est,  et  perpetuo  ordinatum,  quod  parochiani  quarum- 
cunque  ecclesiarum  parochialium  in  eorum  ecclesiis  ad  celebrationum 
divinorum  ofiiciorum  et  sacramentorum  ministrationem  suis  expensis 
habeant  missale,  et  calicem  argenti,  aut  deauratum,  amictum,  albam 
cingulum,  manipulum,  stolam,  casulam,  superpellicium,  baptisterium 
lapideum  decenter  constructum,  seratum,  aut  bene  co-opertum,  hones- 
tum  vas  oleum  in  se  continens  in  sacrum  chrisma  in  usum  infirmorum  ; 
et  sanctam  ecclesiam  in  navi,  et  cancella,  juxta  facultates  popularium 
in  tecto  parietibus  decenter  habeant  constructam  et  mundam,  tam 
intra,  quam  extra  teneant  ab  omnibus  rebus,  bladis,  et  animalibus 
secularium  laicorum.  Et  nulli  omnino  hominum,  etisiamsi  conjuges 
sint,  cum  eorum  uxoribus  aut  concubinis  ibidem  jacere  uno  lecto  aut 
cohabitare  praesumant,  sub  poena  mortalis  peccati,  et  excommunica- 
tionis ferendae  sententiae,  ut  praefertur,  contra  delinquestes. 

4.  Quod  in  singulis  ecclesiis  ad  minus  habeantur  tres  imagines, 
sanctae  beatae  Mariae  virginis,  sanctae  crucis,  et  patroni  loci,  in  cujus 
honerem  ecclesia  dedicatur  ;  necnon  et  vas  honestum  consecratum 
pro  corpore  Christi. 


432  DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 

5.  Quod  coemeterium  sit  mundum  et  muratum  in  expensis  popu- 
larium. 

6.  Quod  excommunicati  publice  denuncientur  omnibus  Dominici 
et  festis  diebus  per  singulos  curatos  in  eorum  ecclesiis,  omnes  incestuosi 
et  clandestina  matrimonia  contrahentes,  et  illis  interessentes,  haeredes 
legitimes  exhaeredantes,  falsos  limites  assignantes,  usurarii,  et  usurae 
convicti,  falsam  monetam  facientes,  et  veram  monetam  scindentes 
et  radentes,  ecclesias,  coemeteria,  ac  personas  ecclesiasticas  suis  rebus 
spoliantes,  vel  percutientes,  viam  regiam  insultantes,  fures,  latrones, 
congregatorum  depopulatores,  viarum  derobatores,  pacis  violatores, 
et  alii  omnes  et  singuli,  quos  sacrosancta  sedes  apostolica  excommu- 
nicari  praecipit,  atque  mandat,  cum  eorum  fautoribus. 

7.  Declarat  et  statuendo  ordinat  idem  concilium  pro  confirmatione 
Ubertatis  ecclesiae,  quod  nuUi  domini  temporales,  aut  eorum  equestres, 
pedestres,  tributarii,  vel  aliae  temporales  personae  ad  maneria  episco- 
porum  sive  grangias,  aut  clericorum  habitacula,  loca,  et  hospitia 
venientes,  ultra  unum  diem  aut  noctem  refectionem  exigant,  aut 
recipiant  ;  et  hoc  requisito  et  obtento,  episcoporum  consensu,  aut 
aliorum  praelatorum  praesedentium  voluntate  interveniente,  ita  tamen 
quod  hujusmodi  nocte  diei  Dominicae  aut  praecedente  Sabbati  nuUo 
modo  recipiant,  nee  exposcant,  ubi  personae  ecclesiasticae  servitio 
divino  et  missarum  solemnitatibus  quiete  vacare  debent,  expulsa- 
tionem  temporalium  vexatione,  nee  amplius  a  tempore  publicationis 
praesentis  statuti,  dierum  aut  noctium  exigantur  a  personis  ecclesias- 
ticis  ;  contrarium  vero  facientes  per  totam  provinciam  excommunicati 
denuncientur  nominatim  et  expresse  in  singulis  ecclesiis  per  curatos 
ecclesiarum,  quibus  sacrum  concilium  ad  haec  omnia  auctoritatem 
tribuit  et  majoris  excommunicationis  sententiam  ipso  facto  incurrant 
et  episcoporum  dominium  ac  loca  alia,  ad  quae  declinaverint,  cum  sua 
familia  ecclesiastico  maneant  interdicto  mnodati,  auctoritate  prae- 
sentis sacri  concilii;  quorum  omnium  absolutio  ordinariis  locorum 
duntaxat  reservetur,  cum  interdicti  relaxatione. 

8.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  omnia  emolumenta,  provenientia  ex 
novis  capellis  per  laicos,  vel  alios  infra  parochiam  aliquam  noviter 
constructis,  omnia  cedant  ecclesiis  parochialibus,  infra  quarum  limites 
constructae  sunt. 

9.  Statuit  et  declarat  praesens  concilium,  quod  omnes  ecclesiastic! 
et  praelati  eorumque  tenentes,  et  familiares  in  terris  ecclesiasticis  ac 
maneriis  episcoporum  degentes,  omnino  sint  immunes,  et  liberi  ab 
omni  exactione  temporali,  et  seculari  distributione  conngureus  et 
bonnguoog,! — et  similia  sub  poena  majoris  excommunicationis  et 
interdicti. 

10.  Statuit  praesens  concilium  et  ordinavit,  quod  nulla  persona 
secularis  vel  temporalis  pro  quacunque  causa,  actione,  vel  injuria 
pignara  clericorum  in  rebus  aut  personis  capere  praesumant,  aut  bona 
familiaria  et  tenentium  ecclesiae,  ubicunque  reperta,  distringere,  nisi 
prius  causa  ipsa  coram  competent!  judice  terminata  fuerit,  et  discussa. 
Contrarium  facientes  auctoritate  concilii  actionem  suam  perdant,  et 
majoris  excommunicationis  sententiam  ipso  facto  incurrant,  et  dominus 
capientis  sic  pignora  post  monitionem  negligens  restituere,  cum  suo 
dominio  et  familia  maneant  interdicti. 

11.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  nullus  clericus  pro  criminal!,  civili 
aut  alia  quavis  causa  coram  seculari  arbitro  vel  judice  a  quocunqe 
valeat  conveniri,  nee  sententia  talis  arbitri  aut  judicis  secularis  contra 
clericum  lata  valeat  ipso  jure,  cum  sit  lata  contra  libertatem  sanctae 

1  Ita  MS.  legit. 


APPENDICES.  433 

matris  ecclesiae  ;  et  reprobat  concilium^arbitros,  et  eorum  sententias 
contra  clericos,  'maxime  dum  dicunt  eos  contentari  debere  duobus 
servientibus,  quodque  residere  debent  infra  eorum  coemeteria,  quae 
sententia  erronea  est,  propter  quod  ipsi  seculares  judices  ipso  facto 
incurrant  excommunicationem,  quousque  eorum  sententias  hujusmodi 
erroneas  et  iniquas,  ac  prosus  nuUas  revocent,  et  damna  exinde  passis 
congrue  satisfecerint. 

12.  Statuit  sacrum  concilium,  quod  nuUi  quaestores  amplius  in 
provhicia  Cashellensi  admittantur  .exceptis  B.  Patricii  nunciis  et 
quaestoribus,  nisi  secuni  deferant  literas  episcoporum,  de  anno  in 
annum  reformandas  ;  et  praelati  sen  curati  ecclesiarum  aliter  admit- 
tentes,  contra  formam  hujusmodi  statuti,  toties,  quoties  ad  unam 
marcam  maneant  obligati,  ordinariis  locorum  applicandam. 

13.  Statuit  et  ordinavit  hoc  sacrum  concilium,  quod  nulli  Mendi- 
cantes  admittantur  ad  quaestum  in  festis,  quibus  ecclesia  oblationes 
percipit,  donee  personis  ecclesiasticis  satisfactum  fuerit,  sub  poena 
excomm'unicationis,  quam  ipsi  Mendicantes  hoc  statutum  violantes, 
et  curati  illos  admittentes,  auctoritate  hujus  concilu  incurrant,  et  sub 
poena  eadem  extra  suam  limitationem  ad  quaestum  non  accedant 
nisi  sufhcienter  privilegiati.  ,,      j.  ,  , 

14.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  omnes  fratres  Mendicantes  debent 
solvere  quartam  partem  omnium  bonorum  ex  testimento  defuncti,  aut 
ratione  funeris  eis  relictorum,  ubicunque  et  quacunque  causa,  et  unde- 
cunque  eis  evenientium,  etiam  ratione  quaestus,  aut  tempore  sepul- 
turae  aut  funeris,  nee  candelas  fratribus  ante  divisionem,  nee  oblationes 
persolvent,  donee  praedicta  quarta  pars  ex  integro  ecclesiae  fuerit 
persoluta.  Hanc  declarationem  non  observantes  majoris  excommuni- 
cationis   sententiam,    ex   auctoritate    praesentis   conciUi,    ipso    facto 

incurrant.  .  .  ,         n   ■   ^■ 

15.  Statuit  hoc  sacrum  concilium,  quod  omnes  beneficiati,  maxime 
constituti  in  saeris,  et  ahis  dignitatibus  praediti,  in  eorum  cathedralibus 
ecclesiis  et  aliis  principalibus  more  sacerdotali  resideant,  horas  canon- 
icas  dicant,  et  missas  celebrent  in  ipsorum  proprus  personis,  tribus 
vicibus  in  hebdomada,  sub  poena  privationis  beneficiorum  et  dignita- 
tum  suarum  ;  ipsorumque  beneticiorum  fructus,  qui  hoc  statutum 
violaverint  ad  fabricam  ecclesiarum  hujusmodi  sequestrentur,  quous- 
que sententia  privationis  ejusdem  lata  fuerit,  et  quamdiu  in  suspenso 
permanserit  ;  fructus  ad  ecclesiarum  fabricam  debentur. 

16  Statuit,  quod  ubicunque  ecclesiae  aut  capellae  aliquibus  locis 
unitae  et  appropnatae  habentur,  et  ex  hoc,  prout  in  diversis  locis 
expenentia  edocet,  penitus  desolatae  et  destructae  fuermt,  ordinaru 
locorum  quibus  ipsa  beneficia  subjiciuntur,  fructus  ipsarum  ecclesiarum 
possunt  ad  necessariam  reparationem  ecclesiarum  deputare,  in  eorum 
ne'^li^entiaepoenam,  quorum  sunt  fructus;  hujusmodi  contradictores, 
cums^'cunque  ordmis  autreligionis  fuerint,  ecclesiarum,  beneficiorum 
suorum  appropriatores  per  censuram  ecclesiasticam,  et  aha  juris 
opportuna  remedia  compescendi  auctoritate  praesentis   concilu. 

17  Statuit  concilium,  quod  nullus  rehgiosus,  aut  alii,  seculares, 
praelati  aut  domini  ecclesiastici,  absque  expresso  consensu  ordinario- 
rum locorum,  aliquibus  clericis,  vel  laicis,  maxime  juvenibus  et  lUitera- 
tis  viris  sub  quocunque  colore  terras  suas  ad  firmam  tradant,  nee 
ipsos  lai'eos  sub  colore  aut  nomine  procuratoris  firmarios  constituant 
aut  clericos  in  suis  Uteris  nominent,  nee  laici  fructus  percipiant,  nee 
procuratores  laici  juxta  eorum  altaria  aec2dant,  dum  missarum  solem- 
nia  celebrentur,  nee  ad  divisionem  obventionum  ecclesiasticarum 
admittantur,  saitem  in  firmam  ecclesiarum.       Contrarium  vero  faeientes 


434  DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 

aut  contrahentes,  ipso  facto  majoris  excommunicationis  sententiam 
incurrant,  et  contractus  factus,  auctoritate  praesentis  concilii,  nullus 
habeatur  et  irritus,  et  laici  exinde  nullam  habeant  actionem,  sed  eo 
ipso  excommunicati  sint,  et  ad  ipsa  firma  perpetuo  exclusi  maneant, 
et  totum  concilium  exequatur  contra  tales  et  alios  in  forma. 

1 8.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  contractus  dandi  frumenti  modium 
pro  octo  denar.  solvend.  festo  sancti  Martini,  si  certum  est  ipsum 
modium  tum  temporis  plus  valere,  talis  contractus  est  usurarius  ;  et 
SI  lapsum  fuit  tempus,  ad  festum  Philippi  et  Jacobi,  et  tunc  modius 
frumenti  valet  ad  XXX.  aut  XL.  denar.  pro  eo  quod  contractus  in 
sui  initio  fuerit  usuarius,  non  crescit  usura,  supposito  quod  valeret  XL. 
denar.  modius,  debitor  non  habet  unde  redderet  in  pecunia ;  sed 
convenit  quod  modium  frumenti  daret  pro  quibus  libet  X.  denar,  in 
ipsis  XL.  denar.  existentibus  etiam  IV.  modios  solveret,  et  cursu  tem- 
poris, iste  contractus  est  usura,  et  taliter  exigens  usuarius  est  censendus. 
et  propterea  excommunicandus,  quousque  illicitum  exinde  contractum 
in  statum  pristinum  juris  exposuerit,  et  poenitentiam  agat  pro  com- 
missis. 

19.  Declarat  concilium  praeteritas  usuras  fore  restituendas  ad 
arbitnum  ordinarii  seu  officialis  sui  generalis,  qui  in  talibus  habeant 
arbitrare,  et  cum  contrahentes  non  vitio  usuram,  sed  ignorantia  ducti, 
praedictos  usurarios  contractus  fecerint  et  exercuerint. 

20.  Statuit  conciUum,  quod  omnes  clerici  ad  primam  tonsuram 
ordinati  ac  privilegium  in  rebus  et  personis  habere  volentes,  seipsos 
honsete  habeant,  caste  vivant,  et  maxime  beneficiati,  et  ad  sacros 
ordines  promoti,  usuras  et  ludos  alearum  omnino  evitent  ;  superiores 
barbas  non  deferant,  comam  non  nutriant,  curios  scindant,  praedis, 
et  furtis,  et  yiolentiis  abstineant,  sub  poena  majoris  excommucationis 
latae  sententiae  ipso  facto,  et  nihilominus  privilegium  in  rebus  amil- 
tant,  postquam  de  hoc  coram  ordinariis  loci  convicti  fuerint. 

21.  Statuit  conciUum,  quod  quilibet  curatus,  rector,  et  vicarius 
habeat  in  ecclesia  sua  copiam  istarum  constitutionum  et  aliarum 
singulis  annis  noviter  editarum,  quae  quidem  statuta  quater  in  anno 
teneantur  suis  parochianis  matemali  lingua  exponere  ;  viz.  diebus 
Dominicis  immediate  proxime  ante  festa  natalis  Domini,  Paschae, 
Pentecoste,  et  sancti  Michaelis  Archangeli.  Curati  vero  in  hiis  negli- 
gentes  ad  unum  "  noble."  toties,  quoties,  maneant  obligati  ordinariis, 
et  eorum  officialibus.  Ordinarii  vero  desuper  remissi  metropolitano 
ipsorum  mulctati  sint  ad  XXX.  sol.  pro  fabrica  ecclesiarum  suarum, 
ac  officiales  in  hoc  negligentes  ad  XX.  sol.  maneant  obligati. 

22.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  nuUi  capellani  per  totam  provinciam 
admittantur,  donee  literas  suarum  promotionum  ordinariis  exhebuerint, 
ac  praeclarae  vitae  et  sufficientis  literaturae  existant. 

23.  Quod  nullus  celebret  aut  ministret  nomine  notorie  fornicant. 
praelatorum,  aut  aliorum  curam  animarum  habentium. 

24.  Quod  singuli  promoti,  et  inposterum  promovendi  ad  sacros 
presbyteratus  ordines,  fideliter  extrahant  (forte  deest  "  ordinum 
copiam")!  de  curia  episcoporum  sic  promoventium,  et  hoc  omnino 
sub  poena  majoris  excommunicationis  ipso  facto. 

25.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  ex  bonis  quibuscunque  in  mortis 
articulo  per  maritos  uxoribus  suis,  aut  aliis,  dotis  nomine,  seu  alia  via 
relictis  aut  dotatis,  portio  cononicae  ecclesiae  parochiali  debetur. 

26.  Declarat  conciUum,  omnes  vicarios  et  capeUanos  admittentes 
in  suis  officiis  extorquentes  iUicita  onera  et  exactiones  a  personis 
ecclesiasticis,  ipso  facto  suis  beneficiis  privatos,  et  ad  interesse  partis, 

'    What  is  here  in  parenthesis  is  given  in  a  footnote  in  Wilkins. 


APPENDICES.  435 

pro  cujus  rebus  excommunicati  et  denunciati  habentur,  nihilominus 
fore  obligatos. 

27.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  cera,  quae  tempore  exequiarum 
defuncti  inter  alia  funeralia  offerri  debet,  integre  ad  majus  altare 
praesidentis  devenire,  ibique  semper  pro  usu  ecclesiae  remanere  debets. 

28.  Declarat  concilium,  consuetudinem  secundum  ratam  temporis. 
aut  juris  communis  dispositionem,  fore  observandam  circa  decima, 
animalium,  quae  in  diversis  parochiis  pasturantur. 

29.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  rei  vendicatio  personis  ecclesiasticis 
contra  quoscunque  rerum  suarum  detentores  licita  est,  nee  juvat  bona 
fides  ex  parte  occupantium,  quocunque  titulo  ad  ipsos  devenerit. 

30.  Declarat  concilium,  vestiarium  esse  de  ecclesia,  et  in  illo  tem- 
pore generalis  interdicti  fieri  non  posse  sepulturam  etiam  per  fratres- 
cujuscunque  ordinis. 

31.  Declarat  concilium,  commorantes  in  coemeteriis  aut  ecclesiis, 
absque  ordinariorum  licentia  petita  et  obtenta,  nullo  gaudere  immuni- 
tatis  privilegio,  sed  confugientes  tantummodo  tempore  necessitatis, 
et  in  ipso  actu  necessitatis. 

32.  Declarat  concilium,  quantum  ad  jejunium  cadens  in  Pascham 
et  Pentecosten,  et  praecipue  in  jejuniis  Rogationum,  praescriptam 
consuetudinem  fore  observandam. 

^^.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  verbum  amplius  in  Uteris  apostolicis 
apponi  solitum  ad  minus  tempus  est  referendum,  neque  dispensationem 
super  mala  perceptione  fructuum  obtentam  extendi  debere  ad  em- 
ceptionem  fructuum  in  tempore  datae  literarum  usque  provisiopre- 
sequentem  factam. 

34.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  medici,  poetae,  aurifabri,  et  scissores, 
carpentarii  et  hujusmodi  de  omnibus  per  eos  licite  acquisitis  seu 
lucratis  decimas  solvere  tenentur,  consuetudine  contraria  non  obstante, 
praeterquam  in  modo  solvendi,  si  quem  allegaverint,  necessariis  tantum 
prius  expensis  deductis. 

35.  Mandat  concilium,  sub  poena  privationis  ipso  facto,  m  mani- 
festis  et  peccati  mortalis  in  occultis,  quod  curati  ecclesiarum  omnes 
fures  et  '  latrones  in  suis  parochiis  degentes  ad  ordinarios  locorum 
absolvendos  remittant  ;  et  declarat  concilium  tunc  esse  manifestum, 
quando  in  parochia  sunt  famosi  fures  et  latrones. 

36.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  fratres  de  tertio  ordine  sancti  Francisci, 
inter  quos  plerumque  oritur  contentio  cum  personis  ecclesiasticis 
circa  funeralia  eorum,  qui  apud  eosdem  fratres  sepulturam  eligunt, 
non  gaudent  privilegio  Clement.  "  Dudum  "  cap.  "  De  Sepulturis," 
sed  juris  communis  expositio  observetur  in  hiis  et  in  aliis  ;  quod  que 
de  bonis  ipsorum  fratrum  tertii  ordinis,  quoties  decedunt,  idem  judi- 
cium est  habendum,  et  de  pueris  laicis  quantum  ad  administrationem, 
et  alia  debita  ecclesiastica  consequenda,  salvo  eorum  privilegio. 

37.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  quotiens  in  ecclesia,  coemeterio,  aut 
mansionibus  ecclesiarum  furtum  aut  sanguinis  effusio  iiitervenerit, 
poena  hujus  sanguinis  et  furtiomnino  cedat  praefatae  ecclesiae,  et  non 
temporali  domino,  etiamsi  in  subditos  suos  actum  est  per  quoscunque, 
et  contrarium  exigentes  ipso  facto  sint  excommunicati  et  excommuni- 
center. 

38.  Statuit  concilium  Heriotam  pauperum  laicorum  in  ecclesia 
dec^entium  persolvi  debere  ordinariis  locorum,  et  aequalem  divisionem 
eniolumentorum,  viz.,  cunagii  et  hujusmodi  faciendum  inter  rectorem, 
et  vicarium  ac  dominum  temporalem  ratione  pasturae  animalium 
pauperum  inibi  degentium. 

39.  Statuit  concilium,  quod  curati  ecclesiarum,  qui  dolo  aut  fraude 
formam    Uterarum,  quas  eorum  superiores  particulariter  iis  dirigunt 


436  DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 

exequendas,  exponere  aut  publicare  dissimulant,  suis  beneficiis  sint 
ipso  facto  privati,  et  parti,  pro  cujus  rebus  hujusmodi  exequendis 
literae  ipsae  directae  sunt,  ad  omne  interesse  maneant,  auctoritate 
praesentis  statuti  penitus  obligati. 

40.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  rectores,  vicarii  et  alii  ecclesiarum 
praelati,  qui  nonnunquam  tempore  generalis  interdicti,  cum  aliquis 
amicorum  suorum  moritur,  se  absentant  de  sepultura  sic  decedentium, 
ignorantiam  jam  praetendere  valeant,  et  subsequenter  sub  umbra 
hujus  ignorantiae  celebrent,  poenam  juris  propterea  incurrant,  acsi 
praesentes  interessent,  et  talia  commiserint. 

41.  Declarat  concilium,  decimam  partem  terrarum  desertorum, 
sicuti  aliorum  praedialium  personae  debere. 

42.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  uno  conjugum  decedente,  omnia 
bona,  utriusque  debitis  subductis,  veniant  in  testimento  computanda, 
it  de  dote  aut  ejus  parte  non  soluta  tempore  mortis  videant  ordinarii, 
etem  de  dote  alienata  veniant  dividenda,  inter  alia  bona  concilium 
remittit. 

43.  Declarat  concilium,  clericos  simplices  non  esse  admittendos 
loco  canonicorum  aut  pralatorum  ad  servitium  divinum. 

44.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  laici,  qui  in  causis  suorum  amicorum 
clericorum  insurgentes,  bella  et  litigia  generant,  unde  homicidia  et 
plura  mala  insurgunt,  ipso  facto  excorrmunicationem  incurrunt,  nisi 
ordniariorum  suorum  consensus  prius  ad  id  intervenerit. 

45.  Declarat  concilium,  antiquas  ecclesias,  ecclesiolas  in  possessione 
comunitatis  existentes,  et  quae  habent  insignia  sanctitatis,  immuni- 
tate  gaudere  ecclesiastica  debere,  et  quod  episcopi  pro  illis  exequi 
debeant,  nisi  cum  eis  placuerint,  pensatis  omnibus  rei  circumstantiis 
aut  causis. 

46.  Declarat  concilium,  et  perpetuo  reprobat  exactiones  laicorum 
et  nefandas  consuetudines,  quas  in  terris  ecclesiasticis  exercent. 

47.  Mandat  concilium,  sub  poena  excommunicationis  latae  sen- 
tentiae,  et  beneficiorum  privationis,  et  nihilominus  declarat,  quoties 
archiepiscopum  vel  episcopum  per  laicos  aut  alios  capi  contingit,  totam 
provinciam,  in  qua  capiuntur  ecclesiastico  suppositamfuisse  interdicto, 
totamquedioecesin,  in  qua  inferior  praelatus  aut  saceraos,  decanatum, 
in  quo  simplex  clericus  ;  et  in  illis  ad  minus  officiis,  necessitatis  tem- 
poribus  exceptis,  omnino  esse  cessandum,  captura  hujusmodi  durante. 

48.  Statuit  concilium  et  declarat,  laicos  signantes  blada  clericorum 
necessitatem  illis  ponentes,  aut  impedientes,  ne  clerici  de  illis  disponant 
ad  placitum,  dicentes  ;  decimas  dominii  ipsorum  ipsis  praeteritis  vendi 
et  dari  debere,  ipso  facto  fore  excommunicatos,  et  rnterdictos,  cum 
suis  locis  et  hominibus. 

49.  Mandat  concilium,  quod  de  caetero  per  ordinaries  nulla  uniO' 
fiat  simplicibus  beneficiis,  aut  praebendis  de  beneficiis  curatis,  aut 
dignitatibus  ad  aliquorum  instantiam,  maxime  nobilium  et  juvenum 
personarum  ;  et  si  contra  hoc  fecerint,  concilium  declarat  totum  nullum. 

50.  Statuit  concilium,  quod  ultra  numerum  solitum  canonici  non 
recipiantur,  neque  vocales  canonici  in  ecclesia  admittantur  ultra 
numerum  sex  canonicorum,  computatis  jam  receptis. 

51.  Statuit  et  mandat  concilium,  quod  ordinarii  non  committant 
causas  nisi  discretis  ac  juris  peritis,  sub  poena  nullitatis  processus, 
neque  imperitos  recipiant  ad  canonicatus  et  dignitates. 

52.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  clerici  medium  facientes  in  firmis 
beneficiorum,  ut  laici  fructus  percipictnt,  sunt  ipso  facto  excommuni- 
cati,  cum  in  hoc  antiquo  statuto  fraus  committitur,  quae  non  debet 
patrocinari,  et  firmas  ipsas  ipso  jure  non  teneri. 

53.  Sacrum  concilium  iuhibet  magistris,  subpoena  excommunica- 


APPENDICES.  437 

tionis,  quod  nullos  nobiles,  aut  alios  ad  suam  lecturam  admittant,    de 
quibus  non  est  spes,  quod  in  ecclesia  Dei  profecerint. 

54.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  clerici  nomine  laicorum  appellantes, 
aut  concilium  eis  dantes,  contra  executionem  ordinariorum  et  causam 
ecclesiae,  sunt  ipso  facto  excommunicati,  appellationes  illas  esse  frivolas 
et  inanes,  quibus  omnino  obstantibus  fiat  executio  contra  illos,  prout 
prius  est  praescriptum,  qui  pro  laicis  et  contra  personas  ecclesiasticas 
advocare,  et  contendere  praesumunt. 

55.  Statuit  concilium,  quod  laici  juxta  ecclesiam  aedificantes,  si 
contra  prohibitionem  curatorum  quidquid  damni  exinde  ecclesiis  con- 
tingat,  per  incendium,  aut  alia  via,  tam  ipsi  aedificantes,  quam  etiam 
exercitus  de  omni  damno  teneantur,  et  ipsorum  quivis  in  soildum. 

56.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  decimae,  quae  in  plerisque  locis 
imagini,  ac  ad  uberiorem  declarationem  aliisque  Sanctis  miraculorum 
suorum  intuitu  de  diversis  locis  et  provinciis  offeruntur,  inter  rectorem 
et  vicarium  aequaliter  dividendae,  salva  canonica  praescriptione. 

57.  Declarat  concilium,  omnes  eos,  qui  impediunt  confugientes  ad 
unitatem  ecclesiae  libere  transire,  esculenta  et  poculenta  id  eos  devinire, 
ipso  facto  fore  excommunicatos  et  interdictos. 

58.  Declarat  concilium,  ecclesiam  quibuscunque  ab  intestate 
decedentibus  executores  nomine  ecclesiae  illis  posse  deputare,  ac  hoc 
impedientes  ipso  facto  fuisse  excommunicatos. 

59.  Declarat  concilium,  non  esse  credendum  executoribus  fingen- 
tibus  plura  debita  defunctorum,  nisi  quatenus  id  legitime  docuerint. 

60.  Declarat  concilium,  ordinarios  compellere  posse  laicos  ad 
pacem  et  treugam  observandum. 

61.  Declarat  concilium,  Mendicantes  singulos  suis  limitibus  in 
eorum  quaestu  contentari. 

62.  Declarat  concilium,  non  esse  credendum  resignationibus  epis- 
coporum,  nisi  sigillum  resignantis  una  cum  sigillo  capituli  ejusdem 
ecclesiae  hujusmodi  resignationi  fuerit  appositum,  et  subscriptione 
quatuor  de  capitulo  et  duorom  notariorum  muniatur. 

63.  Declarat  concilium,  decimas  casei  et  lactis  simul  non  debere 
solvi,  et  ecclesia  tum  eligere  potest  lac  aut  caseum,  cum  caseus  factus 
sit. 

64.  Declarat  concilium,  coUationes  simplicibus  personis  factas  et 
idiotis  ipso  jure  fore  nuUas  literas,  et  alia  inde  secuta. 

65.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  nuUus  vicarius  potest  deservire  per 
alium  sine  licentia  ordinariorum,  ac  beneficiatos  non  dicentes  horas 
canonicas,  ipso  facto  fore  privates,  et  ferentes  arma  ad  quadrigenta 
solidos  puniendos,  toties  quoties. 

66.  Mandat  concilium,  sub  poena  privationis  beneficierum  ipse 
facto,  quod  clerici  et  ecclesiarum  praelati  pensiones  et  stipendia  laicis 
non  concedant  ;  vel  fructus  beneficiorum  suorum  illis  assignent,  sub 
poena  eadem,  et  recipientes  laicos  ipso  facto  fore  privates. 

67.  Statuit  concilium,  ob  revcrentiam  Sacramentorum,  viz.,eucha- 
ristiae,  et  extremae  unctionis,  quod  ecclesiarum  curati  talia  ministrantes 
alba  induti,  et  campana  praecedente  infirmam  accedant  ;  si  extet  in 
propinquo,  saltem  infra  demum,  ad  Christi  fidelium  devotionem 
excitand,  et  haec  omnia  sub  poena  observent  ;  campana  tamen  semper 
praecedat  eucharistiam. 

68.  Statuit  hoc  praesens  concilium,  quod  clerici,  maxima  in  sacris 
ordinibus  constituti,  necnen  ecclesiarum  praelati,  rectores,  et  vicarii 
suas  suspectas  personas,  infamiam  generantes  in  clero  et  populo,  extra 
curam  et  curiam  rejiciant  etiam  post  publicationem  praesentis  statuti 
infra  28,  dierum  spatium,  sine  spe  recuperationis  earum,  sub  poena 
privationis  beneficiorum  et  dignitatis,  inhabilitatis  et  infamiae   ipse 


438 


DIOCESE   OF  LIJvIERICK. 


facto  :  quod  quidem  statutum  locorum  ordmarii  execution!  demandare 
non  negligant,  sub  poena  XX,  sol.  metropolitano  in  cursu  suae  visita- 
tionis  applicandorum,  de  propriis  episcoporum  desuper  negligentium. 

69.  Declarat  concilium  sacrum,  quod  ecclesiae  parochiales  mundae 
sint  et  immaculatae,  nuUaque  aediticatio  fiet  in  ecclesiis  ipsis,  aut 
earum  coemeteriis,  nulla  flagellatoria  laicorum  ibidem  fiet  contra  volun- 
tatem  episcoporum,  vel  aliorum  ecclesiis  praesedentium,  ac  coemeteria 
ipsa  muris  clandantur.  in  expensis  populorum,  sub  poena  excommuni- 
cationis  et  interdicti  ipso  facto,  et  aedificata  hactenus  ibidem  omnino 
expellantur  infra  vigenti  dies  post  requisitionem  desuper  factam,  et 
inde  cedant  omnino  ecclesiis  et  earum  personis. 

70.  Declarat  sacrum  concilium,  standum  esse  antiquis  libris  et 
rotulis  ecclesiae  circa  jura  ecclesiae,  census  et  reditus,  quotiescunque 
quaestio  oritur  desuper  inter  ecclesiam  et  subditum  suum,  vel  aliud, 
etiamsi  libri  ipsi  recentes  sint,  dummodo  per  ipsum  praelatum,  qui 
nomine  ecclesiae  agat,  scripti  non  sunt  vel  inventi. 

71.  Statuit  concilium,  quod  clerici  non  recipiant  filios  nobiliuni 
ad  nutriend,  sub  poena  XL,  sol.  ordinariis  applicandorum,  toties 
quoties,  nisi  de  eorum  licentia  speciali. 

72.  Declarat  concilium,  de  omni  lucro  decimas  fore  persolvendas, 
necessariis  prius  expensis  deductis. 

73.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  clerici  beneficiati  decimas  solvere 
tenentur  in  loco  beneficii,  vagabundi  in  loco  studii,  ac  domicilium 
habentes  in  loco  domicilii. 

74.  Declarat  concilium,  laicos  non  posse  possidere  ecclesiasticos 
fructus  jure  haereditario,  etiamsi  antecessores  sui  hujusmodi  fructus 
per  quatuor  annos  et  ultra  possidebant. 

75.  Declarat  concilium,  decimas  molendinorum  gurgitum  fore  sol- 
vendas,  salva  prima  fabrica  eorundum  ;  et  damnat  concilium  con- 
trarian! consuetudinem. 

76.  Declarat  concilium  in  majoribus  causis  matrimonialibus  sum- 
mam  viginti  solidorum  non  esse  excedend,  in  minoribus  vero  taxent 
ordinarii  ;  et  aliter  agentes  excommunicentur. 

•]-j.  Mandat  concilium  ordinariis,  et  suis  officialibus  sub  poena 
mortalis  peccati,  quoties  f  iierint  remissi,  quod  exequantur  cum  effectu 
antiqua  statuta  edita  contra  praelatos  et  ecclesiarum  curatos  com- 
petentem  habitum  non  deferentes,  ab  habitu  laicorum  omnino  diversum, 
tunicam,  viz.,  gascomarcon  cum  honesto  bireto,  et  aliis  ordini  clericatus 
congruentibus  quae  poena  imposita  talis  est;  viz.  unum  "noble," 
quoties  in  habitu  contrario  reperiantur,  cum  perditione  vestium  sic 
habitarum  ordinario  sen  officiali  visitanti. 

78.  Declarat  sacrum  concilium  antiquam  consuetudinem  provinciae 
Cashellensis  circa  Heriotam  episcoporum.  et  aliorum  praelatorum,  nec- 
non  et  antiqua  statuta  desuper  edita,  inviolabiliter  fore  observanda  ; 
viz.  meliorem  annulum,  ciphum,  sellam,  vel  portiforium  archiepiscopo 
et  episcopo  fore  persolvenda. 

79.  Declarat  concilium  fructus  primi  anni  executoribus  deberi  a 
die  obitus  beneficiati  usque  ad  annum,  salvis  contrarius  consuetudinibus. 

80.  Sacrum  concilium  declarat,  quod  onines  paupares  seculo  abren- 
unciantes,  ac  in  locis  sarcis  degentes,  in  libris  ecclesiae  registrentur, 
ac  vitae  approbatae  sint,  et  singulis  annis  libram  cerae  aut  ultra,  juxta 
qualitatem  personarum  aut  locorum  suorum,  ecclesiae  cathedrali 
humiliter  persolvant,  congruum  habitum  suae  paupertati  deferentes, 
earum  parochiales  ecclesias  et  coemeteria  peragrare  faciant,  cruces 
altas  juxta  eorum  habitacula  construant,  et  habeant  in  altum  erectas 
sub  poena  perditionis  privilegii  ipsorum  et  libertatis,  cum  ad  mandatum 
superiorum  requisiti  fuerint,  et  negligentes. 


APPENDICES.  439 

8i.  Statuit  ct  (leclarat  concilium,  quod  nulli  praelati,  aut  ecclesia- 
rum  curati,  questores  vel  alii,  vigore  alicujus  executionis  aut  privilegii 
deinceps  audiant  confessiones  latronum,  furum,  et  sacrilegorum,  seu 
bona  quorumcunqne  fidelium  scienter  detintium  usque  ad  restitutionem 
condignam,  si  ad  hoc  potentes  existant  ;  curati  vero  aliter  facientes 
toties,  quoties  convicti  fuerint,  dimidiam  niarcam  ordinario  persolvant, 
aut  suo  officiali  de  hoc  inquirenti  Qui  autem  occasione  praedicta  semel 
in  anno  confessi  non  fuerint,  et  minime  communicaverint,  ecclesiastica 
careant  sepultura. 

82.  Declarat  sacrum  concilium  et  determinat,  juxta  sanctorum 
patrum  decreta,  quod  omnes  et  singuli  clerici,  praelati,  laici,  et  domini 
temporales,  qui  bona  episcoporum  ante  vel  post  mortem  invaserint, 
quae  futuris  successoribus  reservari,  et  in  ecclesiarum  utilitatem  con- 
verti  debuerint,  ipso  facto  excommunicati,  anathematizati,  et  male 
dicti  existant  perpetuo,  usque  ad  satisfactionem  condignam  ;  neque 
eis  in  praemissis  valeat  uUa  simplex  remissio  ad  salutem,  et  per  singu- 
los  curatos  ecclesiarum  tales  publice  excommunicati  et  sacrlegi  denun- 
cientur,  in  omni  generali  executione,  saltern  quater  in  anno,  sub  poenis 
praedictis,  aut  interdicti  maneant  cum  earum  terris  et  familiaribus. 

8,^  Mandat  concilium,  quod  singuli  curati,  et  ecclesiarum  praelati, 
quoties  per  eorum  superiores  citati  fuerint  ad  dies  synadales  vel  con- 
vocationem,  alias  albis  induantur,  et  more  clerical!  conveniant,  sicque 
se  habeant  eundo,  stando,  redeundo,  sub  poena  XL.  den.  episcopo  sol- 
vendorum  toties  quoties,  contrarium  actum  fecerint. 

84.  Declarat  sacrum  concilium,  quod  porticus  ecclesiae  gaudet 
eadem  immunitate  cum  ecclesia  ipsa,  quoad  immunitatem  conse- 
quendam  ipsis  ad  earn  confugientibus  necessitatis  tempore,  etiamsi 
porticus  ille  consecratus  non  sit,  sed  annexus  locis  sacris,  dummodo 
non  fiat  in  illis  continua  residentia. 

85.  Statuit  et  declarat  concilium,  quod  quicunque  praelatus,  rector, 
clericus  vel  vicarius  judices  deligant,  vel  eorum  adversarios  clericos 
capiant,  vel  ab  illis  capi  faciant  vel  arrestari,  totum  suum  jus  in  ipis 
beneficiis  et  causam  ipsam  perdant,  eorumque  absolutio  Sedi  apostolicae 
reservatur,  ac  pacta  et  juramenta  quaecunque  praestita  ab  hujusmodi 
captis  de  jure  non  esse  obligatoria  sed  concilium  remittet  eadem. 

86.  Statuit  concilium,  quod  in  civitatibus  et  locis,  in  quibus  cantus 
habetur,  et  chorus  regitur,  nulli  ad  aliquas  praetaturas  nisi  cantores 
admittantur,  salvo  privilegio  speciali  sedis  apostolicae. 

87.  Statuit  et  declarat  concilium,  quod  ordinarii  non  absolvant 
excommunicatos  absque  consensu  partium,  et  sine  sufficiente  cautione, 
et  si  contrarium  fecerint,  non  tenet  absolutio. 

88.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  clerici  guadent  priviligiis  clericalibus 
in  immunitatibus  et  terris  patronalibus  liberis  ;  in  terris  non  tributariis 
quoad  sua  bona  privilegio  gaudent  tantummodo. 

89.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  clausulae  generales  apponi  solitae 
in  litteris  apostolicis,  viz.,  a  quibuscunque  excommunicationis,  sus- 
pensionis,  etc.  solummodo  extenduntur  ad  speciticata,  literasque 
ipsas  sic  tacite  impetratas  ipso  facto  fore  nuUas,  cum  omnibus  inde 
secutis. 

90.  Statuit  concilium,  quod  nuUus  sub  poena  excommunicationis 
sententiae  porrigat  aliquam  supplicationem  difinitivam,nisi  exprimati 
suum  nomen,  et  eandem  prosequatur  in  forma. 

91.  Statuit  concilium  formam  cum  modis  observari  debere  in  ex- 
communicatione  ferenda,  nisi  delictum  est  notorium  et  manifestum. 

92.  Declaret  concilium  quotidiana  vestimenta  ecclesiae  persolvi 
debere  ab  omnibus  defunctis,  et  hoc  indifferenter  tam  ab  Anglicis, 
quam  ab  Hibernicis. 


440  DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 

03.  Declarat  concilmm  animalia  clericorum  reperta  in  terris  deser- 
tis  ad  damna  tantummodo  eese  obligata,  etiamsi  terrae  ipsae  oneribus 
secularibus  asstringantur,  sub  omnibus  poenis  ecclesiasticis. 

94.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  rectores  et  vicarii  debent  reparare 
cancellum,  parochiani  navem,  quantum  suppetant  facultates  ecclesiae. 

95.  Statutum  concilii  revocat  omnest  ranslationes  curiae  in  ecclesias 
cathedrales  jam  factas  sub  annua  pensione,  et  ligat  manus  ordinariorum, 
quod  talia  iterate  non  fiant  sub  poena  nullitatis  ipso  facto. 

96.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  de  consensu  episcopi,  decani ,  et 
capituli  potest  fieri  divisio  fructuum  alicujus  pinguis  beneficii  ad 
ecclesiam  exilem  et  pauperem,  pro  divini  cultus  augmentatione. 

97.  Statuit  concilium,  omnes  in  excommunicatione  per  annum 
indurat.  anno  elapso  privatos  suis  beneiiciis,  inhabiles,  et  incapaces. 

98.  Declaret  concilium,  per  omnes  quaestores  de  omni  lucro  exinde 
acquisito  ecclesiae  parochiali,  in  qua  habent  domicilia,  et  ecclesiastica 
percipiunt  sacramenta,  decimas  esse  persolvendas. 

99.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  cum  in  beneiiciis  taxatis  haeredes 
defunctorum  eligere  habent  taxam,  vel  residuum  infra  mensem,  hoc 
de  taxa  capitali  intelligi  debet,  non  de  alia. 

100.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  fures  et  latrones  et  alii  confugientes 
ad  ecclesiasticam  immunitatem,  non  gaudent  previlegio  usque  ad  satis- 
factionem  in  primo  delicto  et  sacrilegis,  de  quo  alias  convicti  sint  vel 
confessi. 

loi.  Mandat  concilium,  sub  poena  interesse  partis,  tam  episcopis, 
quam  aliis  inferioribus,  et  ecclesiarum  praelatis  et  curatis,  quod  in 
absentia  partis  neminem  absolvant,  satisfactione  non  praemissa  vel 
idonea  cautione,  de  qua  pars  se  expresserit  contenta. 

102.  Item,  quod  ordinarii  literas  eis  directas,  sub  eadem  poena 
simpliciter  exequantur. 

103.  Declarat  concilium,  obsidem  ecclesiae  fore  restituendum,  facta 
eidem  emenda  de  injuria,  et  habita  restitutione,  praestita  turn  per 
obsidem  idonea  cautione,  quod  stabit  juri  insuper  actione  civili  coram 
suo  judice  competenti,  tunc  ipsum  debet  ecclesia  liberare  et  secernere. 

104.  Irritat  concilium  collationes  per  metropolitanum  ante  proba- 
tionem  devolutionis  factas,  et  declarat  concilium  standum  esse  jura- 
mento  episcoporum,  circa  eorum  scientiam  in  vacatione  beneficiorum 
suarum  dioecesium,  dummodo  ignorantia  non  sit  crassa,  vel  supina. 

105.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  forma  conquestus  non  extenditur 
ad  processum  judicialem,  qui  in  rem  transit  judicatam. 

106.  Declarat  concilium  in  translatione  prolis  non  esse  credendum 
matri. 

107.  Inhibet  concilium  aliquem  questum  fieri  diebus  solennibus 
ante  solutionem  oblationum,  et  aliorum  jurium  ecclesiae,  sub  poena 
XL.    denar,    toties   quoties. 

108.  Declarat  concilium,  quad  lucrum  contingens  ex  negotiatione, 
quae  in  jure  non  debet  compensari,  et  quidquid  excedit  sortem  princi- 
palem,  est  usura. 

109.  Declarat  concilium  laicos,  qui  se  intromittant  de  fructibus 
ecclesiae  vacantis  percipiendis,  et  si  in  ilia  jus  habeant  patronatus 
excommunicationis  sententiam  ipso  facto  incurrisse,  eorumque  Domi- 
nium ecclesiastico  subjacere  interdicto. 

no.  Declarat  sacrum  concilium,  quod  cmnimoda  jurisdictio  ord- 
naria  ad  archiepiscopum  spectare  dignoscitur  in  dioecesi  sufEaganeorum 
suorum,  si  hoc  eidem  consuetudo  attribuit,  sede  episopali  vacante. 

III.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  accendens  ad  curiam  Romanam 
pro  suis  expeditionibus,  gaudere  debet  privilegio  itinerantium,  Iraude 
et  dole  cessantibus. 


APPENDICES.  441 

112.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  celebrantes  et  celebrari  auctoriz- 
antes  contra  sententias  et  censuras  ordinariorum,  ipso  facto  sunt 
excommunicati,  irregulares  ac  ratione  contemptus  per  sedem  apostoli- 
cam  solummodo  venient  absolvendi. 

113.  Statuit  sacrum  concilium,  quod  Christi  fideles  sub  poena 
peccati  mortalis  non  accedant  ad  praedicationem  alicujus  fratris,  nisi 
prius  per  loci  ordinarium  admissus  fuerit  ;  ac  concilium  inhibet  fratribus 
liujusmodi  quod  non  nisi  admissi  praedicare  praesumant,  subpoena 
subtractionis  quaestus  per  diocesim  ipsam. 

114.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  privilegium  fratrum  de  decimis 
hortorum  percipiendis,  quos  noviter  infra  parochiam  aliorum  construunt 
et  colunt,  non  debent  ad  novalia  extendi,  nisi  ex  forma  privilegii  con- 
trarium  in  specie  apparet. 

115.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  ubicunque  metropolitanus  et 
suffraganeus  de  aliquo  beneficiorum  sedi  apostolicae  reservato  dispo- 
nunt,  collatio  ordinarii  debet  praevalere  donee  de  hujusmodi  beneficio 
per  sedem  ipsam  provisum  fuerit,  infra  tamen  tempus  juris  eidem  sedi 
etiam  limitatum. 

116.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  cum  quis  literas  impetrat  contra 
incumbentem,  propter  non  promotionem  ejusdem,  selicet  duobus 
beneficiis  curatis,  potest  is  providere  de  beneficio,  in  quo  probavit  non 
promotionem,  licet  in  altero  probando  defecerit  impetrans. 

117.  Statuit  concilium,  quod  quoties  nuncii,  praecones,  aut  fami- 
liares  episcoporum  in  rixis  aut  contentionibus  casu  aliquo  interficiantur 
■quod  tantum  debetur  episcopis  ratione  interesse,  quatum  rationi  et 
genti  ipsius  interfecti  pro  redemptione  sanguinis  ejusdem. 

118.  Alandat  sacrum  concilium  omnibus  ecclesiarum  praelatis, 
vicariis,  et  capellanis,  quod  infra  mensem  post  publicationem  hujus 
statuti  omnes  suas  suspectas  personas,  licet  etiam  aliis  viris  maritatas, 
ab  omni  cura  et  curia  ipsorum  sine  spe  reversionis  omnino  rejicant, 
sub  poena  privationis  ab  omni  officio  et  beneficio  ipso  facto. 

119.  Declarat  concilium,  quod  ordinarii  locorum,  in  negligentia 
religiosorum  non  praesentantium  idoneas  personas  ad  ecclesias  ipsorum 
curatos,  de  hujusmodi  ecclesiis  et  beneficiis,  tanquam  de  jure  vacanti- 
bus,  possunt  libere  disponere,  et  in  illis  perpetuos  vicarios  instituere. 

120.  Statuit  sacrum  concilium  clerum  et  capitulum  civitatis  et 
dioeces.  Waterfordien.  ac  praelatos  ecclesiarum,  qui  secundum  con- 
suetudinem  provinciae  Cashellensis  fructus  prmii  anni,  ratione  coUa- 
tionis  eis  factae,  ordinariis  solvere  renuunt,  per  totum  concilium  fore 
reformandos,  juxta  morem  et  consuetudinem  aliarum  dioecesiuni,  et 
(ad)  hujusmodi  annatam  humiUter  persolvend.  compellendos. 

121.  Statuit  concilium,  quod  ubi  rector  alicujus  ecclesiae  persona- 
liter  non  residet  in  eadem,  vicarius  ibidem  residens,  et  animarum 
curam  gerens,  habeat  et  in  suos  usus  convertat  terras  ecclesiasticas  pro 
parte  rectoris  non  residentis  ,reddendo  exinde  ipsi  rectori  omnia 
reddenda  ;  ac  rectores  ipsi,  contrarium  exercentes,  per  vicarios  locorum 
^xcommunicentur  auctoritate  praesentis  concilii  et  statuti. 

Papae  Rom.  Archiep.  Cant.  Anno  Christi  Reg.  Angliae 

Nicholai  V.  8.  Tho.  Bourchier  I.  UJl  Hennc  VI.  38. 


442  DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 


Ex  MM.  aa.  Vol.  3  T.C.D.    Synodus    Limericensis.  Ex  Ms.    penes- 
rev.  EPiscoPUM  Clogherensem.      Vide  M.S.  T.C.D. ,  F.  3,  iG. 

In  qua  statuta,  quorum  rubricae  tantum  extant,  promulgata  sunt  in 
provincia  Cassiliensi  observanda. 

1.  De  privilegiis  concessis  civitati  Lismorensi. 

2.  De  captura  episcoporum. 

3.  De  litteris  non  exequendsi  absque  voluntate  ordinarii  . 

4.  De    potestate    exequendi    concessa    inferionbus     auctoritate 
concilii. 

5.  De  redemptione  interfectorum. 

6.  De  candelis  funeralibus. 

7.  De  praeconibus  et  rusticis  laicoruui. 

8.  De  foedis  praeconum  praelatorum. 

9.  De  mansis  praelatorum  non  residentium  vicariis  concedendis- 

10.  De  poena  fornicatorum  clericorum. 

11.  Contra  usurpantes  bona  episcoporum  seu  aliorum  praelatorum 
post  mortem. 

12.  De  clericis  in  honeste  viventibus. 

13.  De  sepultura  furum  et  latronum. 

14.  De  portion  ecclesiae  et  ejus  immunitate. 

15.  Contra  capientes  clericos. 

•     16.   Contra  ecclesias  judicantes  [Male  Ms.  legit  adrucantes. 

17.  De  forma  cum  medicinalis  in  notoriis  non  observanda. 

18.  In  absentiam  partis  non  esse  absolvandum. 

19.  De  prole  laicorum  non  nutrienda. 

20.  De  decima  foeni  solvenda. 

21.  De  decima  artificum. 

22.  De  poena  sanguinis. 

23.  De  heriota  et  ecclesiolis. 

24.  Contra  residentes  in  locis  sacris. 

25.  Standum  esse  antiquis  Ubris  ecclesiae. 

26.  De  testamentis  defunctorum. 

27.  Contra  signantes  blada  in  ecclesiis. 

28.  De  unione  non  tienda  juvenibus. 

29.  De  numero  certo  canonicorum  vocalium. 

30.  Causae  non  remittantur  indiscretis. 

31.  De  expensis  judicum  moderandis. 

32.  De  actibus  capitularibus. 

2^.  De  damno  ex  aedificatione  contigua. 

34.  De  decimis  artiftcum  inter  duas  ecclesias. 

35.  De  terris  secularibus  per  clericos    conductis. 

36.  De  executoribus  plura  fmgentibus. 
^y.  De  falsa  resignatione  episcoporum. 

38.  De  animalibus  in  morte  obligatis. 

39.  Decima  lactis  vel  casei. 

40.  De  clausula  Dummodo  dicta  mulier. 

41.  De  terris  ecclesiae  censualibus. 

42.  De  collatione  facta  simplicibus. 

43.  De  clericis  in  excommunicatione  perseverantibus. 

44.  De  taxo  aut  residue. 

45.  De  reparatione  navis  et  cancellae. 

46.  De  quotidiana  distributione. 

47.  De  translatione  curae  revocata.  i 


APPENDICES.  443. 

48.  De  augmentatione  exilis  ecclesiae. 

49.  De  candelis  tempore  funeris. 

50.  De  furibus  non  absolvendis. 

51.  Delatuni  est  jurameiito  episcoporum  in  vocatione  beneficiorum 
suorum. 

=;2.  De  forma  conquestus. 

53.  Non  est  credendum  matri  in  prolis  translatione. 

54.  Praevalet  collatio  ordinarii  in  beneficio  reservato. 

55.  De  servis  non  talliatis  potest  Dominus  disponere. 

56.  Celebrandum  est  per  provinciam  pro  patronis  ecclesiarum 
cathedralium. 

57.  Orandum  est  per  provinciam  pro  episcopis  et  aliis  praclatis- 
defunctis. 

58.  De  parte  principali  non  computanda. 

59.  Quod  ecclesia  suecedit  omnibus  ab  intestato. 

60.  Qualiter  clerici  solvant  decimas. 

61.  De   expensis  causarum   matrimonialium. 

62.  De  rei  vindicatione  in  rebus  clericorum. 

63.  De  confugientibus  ad  ecclesiam,  qui  eandem  vel  aliam  violarunt. 

64.  Contra  capellanos  fornicarios. 

65.  Contra  firmarios  laicos. 

66.  Contra  clericos  medium  facientes  pro  laicis  ut  fructus  perci- 
piant. 

67.  Credendum  esse  rotulis  in  archivis    ecclesiae  repertis. 

68.  Non  nisi  cantores  admittantur  in  locis,  ubi  cantus  requiritur. 

69.  De  clericis  in  excommunicatione  per  annum  durantibus. 

70.  De  clericis  contra  ecclesiam  postulantibus. 

71.  Ecclesia  non  ligatur  statutis  laicorum. 

■J2.  Ecclesia  suecedit  ab  intestato  decedentibus,  supra  59. 

Tl.  De  ecclesiis  infra  parochias  situatis. 

74.  Contra  tribunes  laicorum. 

75.  Contra  capellanos  fornicatores,  supra  64. 

76.  De  firma  laicorum. 

■J7.  De  negotiis  expediendis  ante  inceptionem  missae. 

Privilegia  et  specialia  indulta  concessa  civitati  et  ecclesiae  Lis- 
morensi,  ejusque  territorio,  et  maneriis  ab  extra  auctoritate  sacri  pro- 
vincialis  concilii  in  civitate  Limericensi  dicesimo  die  Augusti,  A.D. 
M.D.  ii.  cum  amplissimo  exequotoriali  processu,  multis  sigillis  aucten- 
ticis  roborato,  cujus  summa  in  compendio  cum  multis  ahis  statutis 
necessariis. 

Imprimis  quod  de  retro  et  in  perpetuum  nulla  fiat  distributio 
Scotorum.  et  turbariorum,  nee  venatorum  quorumcunque,  etiam 
domini  comitis  Desmoniae  in  civitate,  aut  populo  suo  privato,  neque 
in  maneriis  domini  episcopi  ab  extra,  sub  poena  majoris  excommuui- 
cationis,  et  interdicti  ecclesiastic!  ipso  facto  contra  violatores  horum 
privilegiorum  toties  quoties. 

Item,  promittit  concilium,  quod  justitiarius  domini  regis,  et  domi- 
nus comes  Desmoniae,  casu  ibidem  advenientes,  de  honesta  tamen 
comitiva  equitum  et  peditum  juxta  qualitatem  tenenda,  illuc  recipian- 
tur,  hoc  semper  licentia  episcopi  petita  et  oblenta. 

Panae  Rom.  Archiep.  Cant.  Anm  Christ!  Reg.  Angliae 

Julii  II.  10.  Guiliel  VVarham  10.  .il'i.  HenricMII.  4 


444  DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 


WHITE'S  LIST  OF  CHURCHES  OF  THE  DIOCESE. 

(Taken  from  Lenihan's  History  of  Limerick.) 

The  cathedral  and  parochial  church  of  the  Blessed  Virgin 
Mary,  dedicated  to  the  same  on  the  15  th  day  of  August,  on 
which  day  the  office  of  the  dedication  is  celebrated  (,^0.  with 
an  octave  in  the  city,  and  without  an  octave  in  the  diocese. 

Nota  bene  that  I,  Jasper  White,  met,  written  in  the 
calendar  of  an  old  breviary  belonging  to  the  diocese  of  Limerick, 
the  Sunday  after  the  i6th  July  to  be  the  day  assigned  for  the 
dedication" of  the  cathedral  of  Limerick,  with  an  octave  ;  but 
a  continued  tradition  assures  us  of  the  contrary,  and  that  the 
15th  of  August  is  the  proper  day  for  the  dedication,  as  Dr. 
Jasper  White  has  affirmed  above. 

The  parish  church  of  St.  Munchin,  the  patron  saint  of  the 
whole  city,  whose  festival  is  celebrated  on  the  2nd  day  of 
January. 

It  is  a  prebend  or  canonry.  The  vicar  has  one  half  of  the 
fruits,  and  the  prebend  the  other  half.     It  pays 

The  parish  church  of  St.  Nicholas.  Bishop  and  Confessor, 
whose  festival  is  celebrated  on  the  6th  of  September.  Its 
vicariate  (vicarage")  belongs  to  the  college  of  the  vicars  choral. 
No  traces  of  this  church  exist  ;  but  it  was  near  the  King's 
Castle,  on  the  south  side.      It  pays 

The  parish  church  of  St.  John  the  Baptist,  whose  festival 
is  celebrated  on  the  24th  day  of  June, 

N.B. — Many  say  it  is  dedicated  to  the  decollation  of  St. 
John,  ye  pth  of  August. 

The  churches  and  chapels  of  this  decanate  in  the  county 
of  Thomond  (Clare),  viz.  : — the  parish  church  of  Killilee, 
whose  patron  is  Lelia,  Virgin,  and  sister  of  St.  Munchin,  as  it 
is  said,  whose  festival  is  celebrated  on  the  nth  August.  It 
belongs  to  the  prebend  of  Donoughmore.  To  this  church 
of  Killilee  belong  three  Cratalaghs,  viz.  : — Cratalagh  More, 
Cratalagh  Keyil,  and  Cratalagh  Moyeil  and  Counagh.  The 
parish  church  of  Keilfintenan.  [To  this  church  belong  part 
of  the  church  of  Sixmile  Bridge,  the  Oil  Mills,  Ballydane  east 
and  west,  Breakhill,  Moyhill,  Ballymorris,  Portvine,  and 
Garrine  Curragh.]  The  place  of  this  church  is  commonly 
called  Crochane. 


[In  MSS.  of  Dr.  Young  after  brackets.] 

The  parish  church  of  Kielinaghta,  the  chapel  of  St. 
Thomas  on  the  Mountain,  at  a  place  called  Ballybu-^halane, 
near  Cratloe. 


[In  Dr.  Young's  English.] 

The  chapel  of  Keilrush,  near  the  river  Shannon  ;  the 
chapel  of  Keilchuain,  near  Parteen  ;  it  belongs  to  the  treasurer. 
The  patron  of  this  chapel  is  St.  Covanus,  Abbot,  on  the  day.  .  .        9 


APPENDICES.  445 

Churches  and   chapels  of   this  decanate   of  Limerick,   in        s.   d. 
thelsouthern  side  of  the  city,  in  the  county  of  Limerick,  out- 
side the  walls,  viz.  : — 

The  parish  church  of  St.  IMichael  the  Archangel,  entirely 
destroyed  in  the  time  of  Cromwell,  near  the  walls,  outside  the 
West  Watergate.  His  festival  is  celebrated  on  the  29th  day  of 
September.     It  belongs  to  the  archdeacon.  .  .  .  .        09 

The  parish  church  of  St.  Lawrence  the  Martyr,  whose 
festival  is  celebrated  on  the  loth  of  August  with  an  octave. 
The  presentation  belongs  to  the  corporation  of  the  mayor  and 
aldermen.     It  pays         . .  . .  .  .  . .  . .         16 

The  parish  church  of  St.  Patrick,  Bishop  and  Confessor, 
and  Patron  of  all  Ireland,  whose  festival  is  celebrated  on  the 
17th  day  of  March:  the  church  is  entirely  destroyed.  It 
belongs  to  the  treasurer,  and  the  tithes  of  all  the  mills  of 
Limerick  and  Singland  belong  to  it,  . .  . .  . .         7     & 

The  parish  church  of  Kilmurry,  dedicated  to  St.  Mary 
Magdalen,  22nd  day  of  July,        .  .  . .  . .  .  .        80 

The  parish  church  of  Derigealavain,  dedicated  to  St. 
Nicholas,  Bishop  and  Confessor,  on  the  6th  day  of  December. 
It  is  a  entirely  a  rectory  (est  rectoria  integra).  .  .  .  .         5      .  • 

The  parish  church  of  Donoughmore  is  a  prebend,  and 
dedicated,  . .  . .  .  .  •  •  •  •  •  •         5     o 

The  parish  church  of  Cahirivalaha,  dedicated  to  St. 
Thomas,  Apostle,  21st  day  of  December.  It  belongs  to  the 
treasurer.  . .  .  .  .  .  .  •  •  •  .  •         20 

The  church  of  Caihiornairy,  dedicated  to  St.  Nicholas, 
Bishop  and  Confessor,  6th  day  of  December.  It  belongs  to 
the  dean  by  gift  from  the  Lord  D.D.  Robert  of  Emly,  or 
Neil,  Bishop  of  Limerick,  anno  Domini,   1253.  ..  ..         80 

The  parish  church  of  Criochoura,  dedicated  to  the  blessed 
Apostles  Peter  and  Paul,  29th  day  of  June.  The  vicarage 
(or  vicariate)    belongs  to  the  college  of  the  vicars  of  Limerick.      10     o 

The  parish  church  of  Keilbecan,  near  Kilpeacon.  It  is 
a  prebend,  dedicated  to  St.  Becan,  on  the  day.       . .  . .        20 

The  parish  church  of  Knock-na-Ghauill,  dedicated  to  St. 
Brigid,  Virgin,  ist  day  of  February.  It  belongs  to  the  pre- 
centor. . .  .  .  .  .  •  •  •  •  •  •         SO 

The  parish  church  of  Feadamuir  (Fedamore)  and  Bailione. 
Dedicated  to  decollation  of  St.  John  Baptist,  29th  day  of 
August.  . .  . .  .  .  •  •  .  •  ..80 

The  parish  church  of  Ballinanhiny,  or  Fanningstown. 

The  parish  church  of  Keilchidy,  dedicated  to  the  holy 
Apostles  Simon  and  Jude,  28th  day  of  October.       .  .  . .      120 

The  parish  church  of  Mongret.  It  belongs  to  the  dean. 
Dedicated  to  St.  Patrick,  the  17th  day  of  March.   ..  ..        40 

The  chapel  of  Keililin,  near  St.  John's  Gate.  It  belongs 
entirely  to  the  dean. 

The  chapel  of  Fearan-na-guilleagh,  now  called  Ross  Brien, 
of  which  no  traces  are  left.  It  formerly  belonged  to  some 
monks  of  the  chapel  de  Rastro  or  Ratuird.  It  belongs  to  the 
parish  priest  (parochialis)  of  Limerick,  whose  vicarage  belongs 
to  the  college  of  vicars.  .  .  . .  . .  ..40 

The  chapel  of  Baillione,  part  of  the  parish  of  Feadamuir. 

The  chapel  or  temple  of  Friarstown,  commonly  called 
Ballynabrair. 

The  chapel  of  Sen  na  ghauil,  perhaps  Knock  na  ghauil.  «        20 


446  DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 

s.   d. 

The  chapel  of  Keilcuaui  de  Achinis,  between  Ballinanhiny 
and  Feadamuir.     It  belongs  to  the  precentor.  ..  ..        5   ^^ 

The  chapel  or  temple  of  Keilna  Cailly,  near  the  bridge  of 
Claireene,  whose  patron  is  Enat  or  Ethna. 

The  chapel  of  St.  Margaret  in  or  Newtown,  near 

Carrigoguinell,  20th  day  of  July. 

There  are  also  in  Limerick  three  monasteries,  viz.  : — 

The  monastery  of  the  Canons  Regular  of  St.  Augustine, 
near  Ball's  Bridge, 

The  monastery  of  St.  Saviour,  of  the  Dommicans, 

The  monastery  of  St.  [Francis  in  the  place  commonly 
called  the  Abbey]. 

The  temple  of  St.  Peter,  which  was  that  of  the  Canonesses 
of    St.  Augustine. 

There  was  also  in  Limerick,  near  Quay  Lane,  the  Church 
of  the  Holy  Rood. 

The  Decanate  of  Kii.lmallock. 

The  collegiate  and  parish  church  of  Killmallock,  dedicated 
to  the  Holy  Apostles  Peter  and  Paul,  29th  day  of  June,  whose 
rectory  belongs  to  the  college  of  vicars  of  Limerick,  and  the 
vicariate  to  the  college  of  Kilmallock,  .  .  . .  ..180 

The  parish  church  of  Effin  is  a  prebend,  and  dedicated  to 
the  B.V.   Mary,  ..  ••  ••  ••  .  .      22      o 

The  parish  church  of  Athenese,  or  Beallathenesigh,  or 
Beallananesy,  dedicated  to  St.  Athanasius,  2nd  day  of  May, 
whose  rectory  belongs  to  the  college  of  Kilmallock,  .  .      10     o 

The  church  of  Kilbride  Major,  dedicated  to  St.  Brigid,  ist 
day  of  February.  It  is  a  rectory  that  belongs  to  the  college 
of  Kilmallock. 

The  church  of  Imiligrinine,  or  Ballaghrinine,  dedicated  to 
St.  Molluo,  Bishop  and  Confessor,  4th  day  of  August.  It  belongs 
to   the   treasurer,  . .  .  •  •  •  •  •  ..50 

The  church  of  Keilfinny,  or  Keilfinine,  dedicated  to  St. 
Andrew,  Apostle,  30th  day  of  November.  It  belongs  to  the 
precentor,  . .  . .  •  •  • •  •  •  ..100 

The  church  of  Keilsluing,  near  Clough-a-Nutliy  [forte 
Kilflyn  MSS.,  Dr.  Cussen,  Castleotway,  in  pencil],   . .  . .        40 

The  church  of  Dromochuo,  or  Derragdmochuogh,  or 
Dormoceno,       ..  ..  ••  •-  ••  .  .      12     o 

The  church  of  Ballinghaddly.  It  belongs  to  the  college  of 
Kilmallock,  dedicated  to  the  B.V.M.  ..  ..  ..      15      o 

The  church  of  Kilbride  Minor.  It  is  a  rectory,  dedicated 
to  St.  Brigid,   ist  February,  ..  ..  ••  ..40 

The  church  of  Keilchuain,  dedicated  to  St.  Coran,  abbot,        4     S 

The  church  of  Cluoincourry,  alias  Cluointorthy,  half  of 
which  formerly  belonged  to  the  Bishop  of  Cloyne,  but  now  the 
whole  is  said  to  belong  to  the  Bishop  of  Limerick.  It  is  dedi- 
cated to  St.  Colomanus,  "24th  day  of  November"  [Dr. 
Young],  ..  ..  •■  ••  ••  ..10 

The  church  of  Ballyhancard,  dedicated  to  St.  David, 
1st  March,  . .  . .  •  •  •  •  •  •  ..40 

The  parish  church  of  Brury  (Bruree).  It  belongs  to  the 
Dean  of  Limerick.     Dedicated  to  St.  Munchin,  Bishop,  . .        50 

The  parish  church  of  Ahaleacagh.  It  is  a  rectory,  and 
dedica-ted  to  St.  John  Baptist,  24th  of  June,  ..  ..      12     o 


APPENDICES.  447 


The  parish  church  of  Dromuin.  It  is  a  rectory,  and 
dedicated  to  the  Most  Holy  Trinity,  .  .  .  .  • .      i 

The  church  of  Urigear,  alias  of  Viridus,  dedicated  to  St. 
Margaret,  Virgin,  20th  day  of  July,  ..  ..  ••      : 

Parish  church  of  TiUibreaka.  It  is  a  prebend,  and 
dedicated  to  St.  Molon,  5th  day  of  May,     .  .  • .  •  • 

The  church  of  Glinoge,  dedicated  to  St.  Nicholas,  6th 
December, 

The  chapel  of  St.  John,  between  the  bridge  and  St.  John's 
Gate,  Kilmallock. 

The  chapel  of  St.  Mathologus,  on  the  hill  of  Kilmallock, 
whose  festival  is  celebrated  on  the  26th  day  of  March. 

The  chapel  of  Cattan,  alias  Kiline  or  Kilny.  It  belongs 
to  the  bishop's  table. 

The  chapel  of  St.  Martin  in  Ballichuillean,  dedicated  to 
St.  Martin,  nth  day  of  November.  It  belongs  to  the  college 
of  Kilmallock, 

The  chapel  of  Saichaihill.  It  belongs  to  the  college  of 
Kilmallock.     Dedicated, 

The  chapel  of  Ardphaidrig  (Ardpatrick),  in  the  parish  of 
Ballyhadding.  It  belongs  to  the  college  of  Kilmallock. 
Dedicated.     (Mount  RusseD, 

The  chapel  of  Dungedamus,  or  Dungaddy,  or  Dunghadie- 
hon,  or  Duneyris.  It  belongs  to  the  college  of  Kilmallock. 
Dedicated, 

The  chapel  Martes  (Mortals town).  If  belongs  to  the  college 
of  Kilmallock.     Dedicated, 

The  chapel  of  Keilchoimogan,  alias  Keilinghongue.  It 
belongs  to  the  prebend  of  St.  Munchin,      . . 

The  chapel  of  Ardmuillain,  otherwise  Ardewelain,  of 
which  scarcely  any  traces  remain.  It  belongs  to  the  bishop's 
table.     Dedicated, 

The  chapel  of  Brough,  alias  Broff  (Bruff).  It  belongs  to 
Hospital.  Dedicated  to  St.  Peter  of  Alexandria,  26th 
November, 

The  chapel  of  St.  Ballisheward,   alias  Ballihaward,  alias 
Rathioward.     It  belongs  to  the  Dean  of  Limerick.    Dedicated, 
The  chapel  of  Keilcoyne,   otherwise  Hakins.     It  belongs 
to  the  prebend  of   Keilbecan.     Dedicated. 

The  chapel  of  Camus,  dedicated  [to  St.  Senanus,  as  I 
heard.— Dr.  Young].     [8th  of  March— Dr.  Cussen]. 

The  chapel  and  well  {fous)  of  St.  Lawrence  in  Ahaillaca. 
The    monastery    of    the    Regulars    of    St.    Augustine    at 
Kilmallock. 

The  monastery  of  St.  Saviour  of  the  Dommicans. 
The     chapel     of     Keilbruoiny,   between     Athlacca     and 
TuUorby. 

The  chapel  of  Keiltemplalain,  near  Bruff,  to  the  north. 
[Its  remains  scarcely  visible. — Dr.  Young]. 

The  chapel  of  St.  Kyran,  between  Athlacca  and  Glcnogra, 
belongs    to   Glenosira.     [Scarcely   exists. — Dr.    Young]. 

The  chapel  of  St.  Laternus,  near  Bruff.  [Its  site  now 
unknown. — Dr.  Young]. 


448 


DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 


Decanate  of  Adare. 


Parochial  church  of  Adare,  dedicated  to  St.  Nicholas, 
Bishop  and  Confessor,  6th  day  of  December,  ..  ..      21     o 

Church  of  Kilnaghan  or  Keilinoghtan,  belongs  to  mensal 
of  the  bishop,   .  .  .  .  . .  . .  . .  ..26 

Chapel  of  Keilinathan,  belongs  to  the  prebendary  of  St. 
Munchin,  to  whom  it  is  dedicated.  [Perhaps  Kilconaghan, 
Killenoughty. — Dr.    Cussen]. 

The  church  of  Keilbinighte,  dedicated. 

Parish  church  of  Croom,  alias  Gremoth.  It  is  a  rectory. 
Dedicated,  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..      21     o 

The  church  of  Dunnemeaunn,  alias  Rustainy,  aliter 
Baillythrisdan.  It  belongs  to  the  rector  of  Croom.  Dedi- 
cated, . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  ..30 

Church  of  Balliochachan.     It  is  a  prebend.     Dedicated,       4     6 

The  church  of  Keldimo.  It  belongs  to  the  archdeacon. 
Dedicated,  . .  .  .  . .  . .  .  .  ..80 

The  church  of  Ardcanthy.      It  is  a  prebend.     Dedicated,        5     o 

The  church  of  Keilchournan.     It  is  a  rectory.    Dedicated,        5     o 

The  church  of  Dysert.     It  is  a  prebend.     Dedicated,      . .        36 

To  this  church  of  Dysert  belongs  Fearan-na-manach,  near 
the  White  Stone  Cross,  as  I  have  myself  read  in  the  Black 
Book  :  for  the  monks  of  the  monastery  of  Maigh  (Maigue),  to 
whom  Fear-na-Managh  formerly  belonged,  gave  that  land  to 
the  bishop  and  chapter  of  Limerick  for  other  land  near  them, 
called  Ballioshoidir,  which  belonged  to  our  Limerick  chapter, 
and  the  bishop  and  chapter  added  that  land,  Fear-na-Mauagh, 
to  the  prebend  of  Dysert,  because  it  is  very  meagre  and  poor. 
[Habetur  p.   27  hujus  hbri.  viz.,  White's  MSS. — Dr.  Young.] 

The  church  of  Athnid.     It  is  a  prebend,  dedicated,  . .        16 

The  chapel  of  Dromassel.     It  belongs  to  the  rector  of 
Croom,  dedicated,  ..  ..  ..  ••  ..16 

The  chapel  of  Dolla,   alias  Doilath.     It  belongs   to  the 
rector  of  Croom.     Dedicated,        . .  . .  . .  ..20 

The  chapel  of  Castle  Robert,  dedicated. 

The  chapel  of  Cluoin  Anny.  It  belongs  to  the  Rector  of 
Croom,  dedicated,  . .  . .  .  •  .  •  ..20 

The  chapel  of  Drochid  Tairsne.  It  belongs  to  the  pre- 
bendary of  St.  Munchin,  . .  . .  . .  ..26 

Chapel  Russel,  or  Rossel,  dedicated,   . .  . .  . .        16 

Chapel  of  Kilghobain.  It  belongs  to  the  college  of  vicars 
choral. 

Chapel  of  Say,  alias  de  Caithiorassa,  dedicated  (Caharass). 

Chapel  of  Glanonitrithig,  dedicated. 

Chapel  of  Mananghuiren,  dedicated. 

Chapel  of  St.  Meranus,  dedicated  to  the  same. 

Chapel  of  Cran,  dedicated. 

In  this  decanate  were  the  following  monasteries  : — 

Monastery  of  Nenay,  or  Maighe,  of  Monks  Cistercians  of 
St.  Bernard. 

Chapel  of  Moirgrean,  on  the  west  of  the  river  Maighe. 
it  belongs   to  said  monastery. 

In   the   village   of  Athdare   (Adare)   there  were  : — 

Monastery   of    the    Holy   Trinity   of    the    Redemption    of 


APPENDICES.  449 

Captives,  commonly  called  the  White  Monastery,  on  the  west       s.    d. 
of  the  village,  called  white  from  the  white  habit  of  the  monks. 

Monastery  of  St.  Augustine,  of  the  order  of  Eremites, 
called  the  Black  Monaster}^  from  their  black  habit,  situated 
on  the  west  of  the  bridge  of  Athdare. 

Monastery  of  St.  Francis,  of  the  order  of  Minors  of  the 
stricter  observance,  outside  the  walls  on  the  western  side  of 
the  town,  called  the  Poor  ISIonastery. 

There  was  also  in  the  same  village  a  house  of  Knights 
Hospitallers  of  the  order  of  St.  John  of  Jerusalem. 

Decanate  (Deanery)  of  Ballingharry,  or  Gorth,  ok 
Gayr. 

Parochial  church  of  Ballingharry.  It  is  a  parsonage  dedi- 
cated  to  St.  Evanjanus,  ist  August,  ..  .,  ..         20     o 

Church  of  Corcomohide.  Belongs  to  the  college  of 
Limerick.  Dedicated  to  the  Purification  of  the  Blessed  Virgin 
Mary,  2nd  day  of  February,  .  .  .  .  . .  . .       20     o 

Parish  church  of  IMahounagh.  It  is  a  rectory.  Dedicated 
to  St.  John  Baptist,  24th  June,    ..  ..  ..  ..60 

Church  of  Cluoineilty.  It  belongs  to  the  college  of 
Limerick.     Dedicated,     . .  . .  . .  .  .  ..16 

Church  of  Cluoincagh.  Belongs  to  college  of  Limerick. 
Dedicated,         .  .  .  .  . .  .  .  .  .  ..06 

Church  of  Croagh.     It  is  a  prebend.     Dedicated,  . .      15     o 

Church  of  Keilfiny.  It  belongs  to  the  Precentor.  Dedi- 
cated, . .  . .  .  .  . .  . .  ..150 

Church  of  Cluoinsiarra.  It  belongs  to  the  Chancellor. 
Dedicated,         . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  ..30 

Chapel  of  Cluoincreu.  Belongs  to  the  Archdeacon. 
Dedicated  to  St.  Borthanus,  . .  . .  . .  .,06 

Chapel  of  Maigreny  or  Keilkenny.     Belongs  to  the  college,        o     9 

Chapel  of  Ceappach,  or  Keilnaceappug,  or  Triostane. 
Belongs  to  the  Dean.     Dedicated,  . .  . .  . .        30 

Chapel  of  DromcoUuchuir.     Dedicated, 

Chapel  of  Keilina,  alias   Paillis.     Dedicated. 

Chapel  of  Cnockseaimabothy.     Dedicated.     [Shanavroha]. 

Chapel  of  Keilmochuo.  Dedicated  to  St.  Colmanus,  B. 
and  C,  29  Oct.  Confer  Ware  de  Praesuhbus  (Ware's  Bishops), 
sub  Epis.  Dacensibus,  mihi  [page  28,  Dr.  Young's  Notes]. 

Chapel  of  Keil-vic-a-niarla.      Dedicated. 

Next  to  Ballingharry  village,  on  the  eastern  side,  is  the 
monastery,  called  the  Monastery  of  St.  John,  and  it  is  of  the 
third  order  of  St.  Francis,  as  we  have  heard. 

Decanate  of  Rathkeale  or  Rathgelle. 

The  Parish  Church  of  Rathkeale  all  belongs  to  the  Chan- 
cellor. Dedicated  to  the  Most  Holy  Trinity.  Here  is  extant 
the  Monastery  of  the  Canons  of  Arroasia,  of  the  Order  of  St. 
Augustine  [founded  and  endowed  by  Gilbert  Harvey,  in  1289, 
and  further  endowed  by  his  descendant  Eleanor  Purcell,  who 
caused  it  to  be  dedicated  to  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary.  Note 
by  M.  L.] 

Church  of  Keilscannil.  Belongs  to  the  Chancellor.  Dedi- 
cated, .  .  . .  . .  .  .  . .  ..50 


450  DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 

Church    of    Cluonnach.     It    belongs    to    the    Chancellor.      5.   d. 
Dedicated.     Counagh,     .  .  . .  .  .  .  .  ..50 

Church  of  Neantenan.  It  belongs  to  the  Precentor. 
Dedicated  to  St.  James  Apostle,  25th  July,  ..  ..        6     6 

Church  of  Asketin,  or  Asketton,  or  Ascetiny.  Dedicated. 
A  monastery  of  the  Order  of  St.  Francis  is  extant  here,        . .      22     o 

Church'  of  Lismakiry  or  Lismhickiry.  It  is  a  rectory. 
Dedicated,      . .  . .  . .  . .  •  •  ..30 

Church  of  Kilbradarain  or  Cnockbradarain.  Dedicated 
to  St.  Brandan,  Abbot,   i6th  of  May,  .  .  .  .  . .        70 

Church  of  Dunmuilin.     Dedicated,      . .  . .  . .        50 

Church  of  Seannaghuoilin.  Belongs  to  the  Precentor. 
Dedicated,  ..  ..  •-  -■  ••  ..      12     o 

Church  of  Leuchuill.  Belongs  to  the  Precentor.  Dedi- 
cated, .  .  . .  . .  . .  . .  ..34 

Church  of  Keilarisse  or  Keilfargus.  Belongs  to  the  Pre- 
centor.    Dedicated,  .  .  . .  . .  . .  ••34 

Church  of  Keilmualain.  Belongs  to  the  College.  Dedi- 
cated, . .  . .  . .  •  •  •  •  ••34 

Church  of  Keilmily  or  Keilmuarille.  All  belongs  to  the 
Precentor. 

Chapel  of  Rathnasaor.  It  belongs  to  the  Precentor, 
according  to  an  old  roll  of  a.d.  1542,  and  pays  no  procuration, 
according  to  the  new  rolls. 

Chapel  of  Dromdily  or  Dromdelthy.  Belongs  to  the 
Precentor.     Dedicated,  . .  . .  •  •  •  ■        Z     o 

Chapel  of  Castle  Robert  or  Dunedoinill.  It  is  a  rectory, 
dedicated  to  St.  Mary  Magdalen,  22nd  July.  ..  ..        80 

Chapel  of  Keilcholaman.     Dedicated,  . .  . .        30 

Chapel  of  Disert  Merogan,  or  Muiriogan,  or  Morgans. 
It  all  belongs  to  the  Precentor.     Dedicated,  ..  ..        20 

Chapel  of  Achinis.     Dedicated,  .  .  . .  .  •        10 

Chapel  of  Mineta.     Belongs  to  the  College.     Dedicated, 

Chapel   of   Castle   Robert   de   Gore   alias   Gauyr   or   of 
Roberstville  [?  Lat.  de  Pago  Robert!].     Dedicated  to  same,..        5     o 

Chapel  to  St.  Patrick  on  the  Mountain.  Dedicated  to 
same,   17th  March. 

Chapel  of  Inniscatha  or  Scattery  Island  (formerly,  in  the 
time  of  St.  Senanus,  it  was  an  Archiepiscopate,  and  a  celebrated 
monastery  is  extant  there).  . .  . .  . .  ..10 


Decanate  of  Ardagh. 

Parish  church  of  Ardagh,  belongs  to  the  Archdeacon. 
Dedicated.  ..  ..  ••  ••  ••  ..70 

Church  of  New  Grange  of  the  bridge  [de  ponte].  Dedi- 
cated ..  •••  ••  ••  ••  ..Co 

Church  of  Newcastle,  a  rectory.  Dedicated  to  St.  David, 
ist  March,  . .  . .  •  •  •  •  •  •  ..60 

Church  of  Moineaghighea,  or  Moneyghea.  A  rectory. 
Dedicated  to  B.V.M.,  15th  August,  ..  ..  ••        06 

Church  of  Keilioda,  or  Keilmide.  A  prebend.  Dedicated 
to  St.  Ida,  or  Mida,  abbess,  January  15,      . .  • .  •  •        3     o 

Church  of  Rathrunan.     A  rectory.     Dedicated,  ..40 

Church  of  Aglssimona.     Dedicated. 


APPENDICES.  45 1 

Church    of    KeilaghaiUcham,    alias    Kcilagh    a    Liochan.      >•.    d. 
Dedicated  to  B.V.M.  ad  Nives,  5th  day  of  August,  near  Drum- 
collogher,  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  ..30 

Chapel  of  Rathcaithell.     Dedicated,    ..  ..  ..      17     o 

Chapel  of  Mount-Temple    [de  Tempio  Montis].     Belongs 
to  Rathrunan. 

Chapel  of  Temple  Gleantan.     Dedicated. 

Monastery  of  Feal,  near  the  river  Feal,   of  the  order  of 
St.  Bernard. 

At  Newcastle  there  is  a  monastery  of  Knights  Templars. 

Chapel  of  Iniscatha,  or  Scattery  Island,  at  the  mouth  of  the 
river  Shannon,  which  belongs  to  the  decanate  of  Rathkeale  ;  it  like- 
wise formerly  belonged  to  the  diocese  of  Limerick  in  the  time  of  the 
R.  D.  D.  Cornelius  O'Dea,  Bishop  of  Limerick,  as  appears  from  his 
words  and  writings. 

I,  Caspar  White,  precentor  of  the  Cathedral  Church  of  the  B.V. 
Marv  of  Limerick,  learn  from  this,  and  from  other  rolls  : — i.  That 
there  are  six  dignitaries  in  the  cathedral  church  of  Limerick,  viz., 
episcopate,  decanate,  precentorate,  chancellorate,  treasurership,  and 
archdiaconate.  2.  I  learn  the  benefices  of  each  dignity.  I  learn 
that  there  are  six  diaconates  in  the  diocese  of  Limerick.  4.  I  learn 
that  there  are  eleven  prebends  or  canonries.  5.  I  learn  how  many 
prebends  are   in   each  decanate. 

The  Benefices  of  each  Dignity,  viz.  : — 

I.  To  the  bishop's  table  belong  : — i.  Mongrett.  2.  Tura  Deil, 
or  Blind  Man's  Tower.  3.  Keilionochan.  4.  Ardmuolan,  near  Kil- 
mallock.  5.  Cottan,  or  Kilny,  near  Killmallock.  6.  The  middle 
part  of  Cluoncourtha,  but  now  the  whole,  although  formerly  one  part 
belonged  to  the  Bishop  of  Cloyne. 

II.  I.  To  the  deanery  belonged  the  whole  parish  of  St.  Mary's, 
Limerick.  2.  The  rectory  of  Mongrett.  3.  The  entire  chapel  of 
Keililin,  outside  St.  John's  Gate,  near  the  walls.  4.  The  rectory  of 
the  chapel  of  Rathiuird,  near  Limerick,  because  it  is  part  of  St. 
Nicholas's  parish.  5.  The  parish  of  Cathiornary.  6.  The  rectory 
of  Bruiry.  7.  The  rectory  of  Baillishiowaird.  8.  The  rectory  of 
Keappach,  alias  Tristane. 

III.  To  the  precentor  belong  : — i.  The  rectory  of  Keilfiny.  2.  The 
parish  of  Neantonan.  3.  The  rectory  of  Dromdily,  or  Tomdily,  or 
Dromdehthy.  4.  The  rectory  of  Scannaghuoilin,  or  Seangolden. 
5.  The  rectory  of  Leaughill.  6.  The  whole  of  Keilmile,  alias  Keil- 
muirelle.  7.  The  whole  chapeP  of  Crag  Desert  Morogan,  or  Merogan, 
or  Muiririgan,  alias  IMorgans.  8.  The  whole  of  the  chapel  of  Crin- 
bhailly,  or  Cliny.  9.  The  rectorate  of  the  parish  of  Cnocknaghauil. 
10.  Tlie  rectory  of  Cluomagh,  in  the  ecclesiastical  tenure  only.  11.  The 
chapel  of  Rathnasaon,  according  to  an  ancient  roll  of  the  year  1542. 
12.  The  church  of  Keilairissa,  or  Keilfargus. 

IV.  To  the  chancellor  belong: — i.  The  rectory  of  Rathkeill 
entirely.  2.  The  rectory  of  Keilscamnill.  3.  The  rectory  of  Cluomagh, 
in  the  "lav  tenure  only.'   4.    The  rectory  of    Cluonsierre. 

V.  To  the  treasurer  belong:—:.  The  parish  of  St.  Patrick 
entirely.  2.  The  tithes  of  all  the  mills  of  Limerick.  3.  The  chapel 
of  Keilcuain,  near  Parteen,  which  is  a  dependency  of  the  said  parish 

'The  word  capella,  I  imagine,  means  '•  chapelry,"  rather  than  "chapel." 
othe  wise  why  add  "  the  whole  of  it "?— Tomline  gives  capellania  for  chapelry. 


452  •  DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 

of  St.  Patrick.     4.  The  rectory  of  Caithirthiovathalla,  or  Cahirivahala. 
5.  The  rectory  of  Imihghrinin,  near  Killmallock. 

VI.  To  the  archdeacon  belong: — i.  The  rectorate  of  the  parish 
of  St.  Michael  (outside  the  walls  of  Limerick).  2.  The  rectory  of 
Keildimo.      3.   Clouincreu,   or  Cluoinchremha.     4.   Ardagh  entire. 

VII.  To  the  college  of  Vicars  Choral  of  Limerick  belong  : — i. 
The  vicariate  of  the  parish  of  St.  Nicholas  of  Limerick.  2.  The  vicariate 
of  Rathiuird.  3.  The  vicariate  of  the  Chriochourtha.  4.  The  vicariate 
of  Corcomoithid.  ■;.  The  rectory  of  Kilmallock.  6.  The  rectory  of 
Keilmuallan.  7.  The  rectory  of  Cluoinelthy.  8.  Cluoincagh.  9. 
Chapel  of  Kilghobban.  10.  Chapel  Mineta.  11.  Chapel  of  Magrainy 
or   Keilcagny. 

VIII.  To  the  college  of  Kilmallock  belong  :— i.  The  vicariate 
of  the  college  of  Kilmallock.  2.  The  vicariate  of  Athnese.  3.  Balling- 
haddy.  4.  Chapel  of  Saycaithile.  5.  Chapel  of  Keilionan.  6.  Chapel 
of  Dune-gaddy  and  Dune-joris.  7.  Chapel  Martell.  S.  Kilbeedy 
Major.     9.  Chapel  of  St.  Martin. 

IX.  To  the  Corporation  of  the  Mayor  and  Aldermen  of  Limerick 
belongs  the  church  of  St.  Laurence  beyond  St.  John's  Gate. 

X.  To  the  prebend  of  St.  Munchin's  belong  :—i.  The  half  part 
of  the  fruits  of  the  prebend — the  other  part  to  the  vicar.  2.  The 
rectory  of  Keilnochon,  or  Kcilineunghe.  3.  The  rectory  of  the  chapel 
of  Drehid-Tarsne.     4.  The  chapel  of  Keilchiomogan. 

XL  To  the  prebendary  of  Donoughmore  belong  : — i.  The  rectory 
of  the  parish  of  Donoughmore.  2.  The  rectory  of  the  parish  of 
Keiliele  with  its  appendices.      3.  The  rectory  of  Ardpatrick. 

XII.  To  the  rectory  of  Kilpeacon  belongs  the  rectory  of  the 
chapel  of  Keilcuain  of  Aghennis. 

XIII.  To  the  rectory  of  Croom  belong: — i.  The  rectory  of 
Cluonnana.  2.  The  chapel  of  Cnockdromaissel.  3.  The  chapel  of 
Dolla.     4.  The  chapel  of  Dunenamaun,  or  Tristan. 

XIV.  To  the  hospital  belongs  the  chapel  of  Bruff. 

XV.  To  the  rectory  of  Rathronan  belongs  the  chapel  of  Mount 
Temple. 

Note  i. — The  decanates  in  the  diocese  of  Limerick  are  six, 
viz.,  the  decanate  of  Limerick,  the  decanate  of  Kilmallock,  the  decanate 
of  Adare,  the  decanate  of  Ballingarry,  the  decanate  of  Rathkeale. 
and  the  decanate  of  Ardagh. 

Note  2. — There  are  eleven  prebends  or  canonries  in  the  diocese 
of  Limerick. 

1.  The  canonry  or  prebend  of  St.  Munchins,)  .     ^,       ,  ,       . 

2.  The  canonry  or  prebend  of  Donoghmore,  -  ^"  the  decanate  of 

3.  The  canonry  or  prebend  of  Kilpeacon,     )  Lmierick. 

4.  The  canonry  or  prebend  of  Effin,  )   In  the  decanate  of 

5.  The  canonry  or  prebend  of  Tullj^bracke  /         Kilmallock. 

6.  The  canonry  or  prebend  of  Ballycahane,   » 

7.  The  canonry  or  prebend  of  Ardcanthy,    '_  In  the  decanate  of 

8.  The   canonry   or   prebend   of   Disert,  l  Adare. 

9.  The  canonry  or  prebend  of  Athnitt,  ' 

^,  ^      ,     r  r-         ,  <  In  the  decanate  of 

10.  The  canonry  or  prebend  of  Croagh,  -         Ballingarry. 

rr~,  T„      J     x  T^ii     J  ^  In  the  decanate  of 

11.  The  canonry  or  prebend  of  Killeedy,  -  Ardagh. 


APPENDICES. 


453 


H. 

LIST  OF  PROVOSTS,  MAYORS,  AND  BAILIFFS  OF  THE  CITY, 

From  1195  to  1509. 

(Taken  from  Lenihan's  History  of  Limeyick.) 


1 195  John  Spafford,  elected  and  sworn  on  Monday  after  Michael- 
mas Day,  and  to  continue  such  till  Monday  after  Michaelmas  the 
year  following. 

1 1 96  Alexander  Barrett. 

1 197  Henry  Troy. 


BAILIFFS. 

John  Bambery,  Walter  White. 


MAYORS 

1 197-8   Adam  Sarvant, 
1 1 99  Thomas  Cropper 

1 2 10  Roger  Maij, 

121 1  John  Cambitor. 

12 1 2  Walter  Cropp, 

1 21 3  Robert  White. 

1 2 14  Si  ward  Minutor. 

12 1 5  Siwardus  de  Fferendona. 

1 2 16  J.  Russell,  alias  Creagh. 

12 17  John  Banbury. 

12 18  John  Fitz-Thomas  Arthur,  Nicholas  Walsh,  Nicholas  Fitz- 

Hui,  A. 

12 19  John  Avenbru2:ger, 

Fitzgerald  gives  the  above  name  and  date,  on  what  authority  I  know  not. 
1230  Reynold  de  St  Jacobo,  Maurice  Blund,   Pierse  Russell. 

In  page  23  of  the  Blm-k  Book,  Simon  Herwarder  is  styled  Mayor,  anil  Maurice- 
Blund  and  Walter  of  Adare  Provosts  ;  again,  p.  40,  Ruginild  de  Sto. 
Jacobo  is  called  Seneschal  of  Limerick. 


123 1   Nicholas  Fitzsimon, 

1234  Geraldus  Domiler. 

1235  John  de  Hanco. 

1236  John  Poines. 

1237  Henry  Troy, 

1238  Richard  Millesowen. 

From  1238  to  1255  sixteen  Mayors  are  unknown,  say  Wliite 
following  appear  in  A.  and'S. 
1241   Nicholas  Fitz-Thos.  Arthur. 
John  White 


John     Bolingford,     William     Mac 
John. 


John  White,   Philip   Rainbold. 


MSS. ;  but  the 


1258  Thomas  Crop. 

1259  Adam  Serjeant. 

1260  Henry  Trov. 

1261  Robert     Juvenis     (S.)     for 

Young  ?)    Robert    Reym- 
bold,      Flexander     Barret 
(W.) 
12G2   Reginald  de  St.  Jacobo, 

1263  John  Russell,  alias  Creashe. 

1264  John  Banbery. 

1265  Richard  Troway, 

1266  Geraldus  de  Mulier,   S. 

1267  John      Hamilton      (S.      W. 

Hampton,   W.) 


John   Moore,    Richard   Reymbold. 


Anlane  O'None,   Owen  Moore,   S. 


454 


DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 


1268  Robert  Poj^nes  (W.) 

1269  Henry  Troy,  W. 

1270  Richard    Milles    Owen,   \ 

1271  John  White,  W., 

1272  Gregory  Wanybould,   W. 

1273  John  Bambery,  W., 

1274  Gilbert  Fitz-Thomas,   W. 

1275  Geraldus  Millis  Owen, 

1276  Edmund  Longan, 


John  Moore,  Richard  Reymbold,  S. 
John  Danyell,  John  Nash  (S.) 

Thom  Albe,  John  Troy  (S.) 
Richard  Whyte,  Richard  Laceye, 

S. 
Richard  White,  Gregory  Winebald, 

S. 


A.  gives  Gregory  Wynebald  Mayor,  and  'Wi 
as  bailitts. 


de  Rupe  and  John  Daniel 


1277  Gregory     Vonbonde 

bonde), 

1278  Morris  Lisborne,   S. 

1279  Gerald  de  Murley, 

1280  Maurice  Blund, 

1 28 1  Richard   Troy, 

1282  Henry  Troy, 

1283  John   Kildare, 
12S4I   Gerald  Morles, 
1285  Edmond  Longane, 

1294  Maurice  Lisborn. 

1295  Gerald  de  Morly, 


1296  Richard  Troy, 

1297  Nicholas  Fitzsimons. 

1298  Gerald  ]\Iorles. 

1299  Richard  Troy. 

1300  John    Kildare    (second    time 

Mayor,   Arthur  IMSS.) 
Gerald  Domilier  W. 

1 301  John  de  Hanco. 

1302  Robert  Poines. 

1303  Henry  Troy, 

1304  Richard   ■\Iilles  Owen. 

1 305  John  White, 

1306  Thomas  Banbury. 

1307  William  Loung, 

1308  Robert   Juvenis  or  Yong, 


(Bon-     William  de  Rupe,  John  Danyell,  S. 


Anlane  O'Noyne,  Owen  Moore,  S. 
Anlane  O'Novne,  Owen  Moore,  S. 
John  Walsh,  'John  Troy,  S. 
John  Walsh,  John  Troy,  S. 
John  Daniel,   Thom.   Ricolf,  A. 
Nicholas  White,  Richard  Longane. 
Nicholas  White,  Gregory  Wainbold 

Anlonus  O'Neonau,  Owen  IMoore 

S. 
Nicholas  Walsh,   John  Troy,  S. 


John  White,  Philip  Troy,  S. 

John  Moore,  Richard  Symbols. 

Walter  Jannell,  Robert  Warren. 
Henry  Troy,  Alexander  Barrett. 


W.  gives  the  following  for  1308  and  1309  : 


1308  Gregory  Wambold, 

1309  Gregory  Wainbold, 

1 3 10  John  Bambery, 

131 1  Rowland  Troy  according  to 

White,  but  according  to 
Arthur,  Fitzjohn  Albus 
(or  White), 
''212  John  Creagh  of  Adare  says 
White,  but  according  to 
Arthur,  Gaylbardus  de 
Melen, 


John  Kildare,  William  Croppe. 
William  Clean,  David  Russell. 
Walter  White,   Philip  Rainbold. 


Robert  Long,  Thomas  Crop. 


Richard  Long,  Thomas  Winnebol. 


1  No  names  are  given  for  sixteen  years,  commencing  1284  and  ending  1300,  by 
Sexten  or  Arthur.    White  supplies  some  names  during  these  years. 


APPENDICES. 


455 


13 1 3  Walter    White    says    White, 

but  according  to  Arthur, 
John  de  Langeton, 

1 3 14  John  Samtone, 

Robert  Troy, 

131 5  Robert  Juvenis, 
Gregory  Wambold, 

1 3 16  John  White, 

Maurice  de  Lisborn, 

13 17  Thos.  Blake  Kildare, 
Gregory  Wambold  (White). 


Thomas  Crop,   Nicholas  Ricalf. 

Thomas  Croppe,  Nicholas  Ricolfe, 
S. 

Richard  Loung,  Thomas  Wam- 
bold, W. 

Henry  Troy,  Alexander  Barrett,  S. 

John   Dannell,    John   Nash,   W. 

Nicholas  Fitz-Thomas  Blake  and 
William  Fitz-Thomas  Mouer,  S. 

Stephen  Danniel,  Flanus  O'Harte- 
gan,  W. 

John  Wigmor,  John  Troy,  S. 


From  1318  to  1328,  Scxten  gives  no  list.    White  gives  the  following  :— 

1318  Nicholas     White.       William 

Prendergast,  according  to 
III.  Just.  It.  44,  45  Hen. 

1 3 19  Phihp  Rainbold. 

1320  Thomas  Bambery. 

1 32 1  Richard  Loung. 

1322  Walter  White,  Owen  Moore,  Richard  Milles  Owen. 

1323  Roger  de  Lisborn. 

1324  John  Fitz- John  White, 

1325  John  Fitz-John  Le  Blunt, 


Hugo  Woedfor, Laynach.)    . 

John  Hamond,  Daniel  Martell.|  "  ' 


White  gives  for  1324  and  1325,  Thomas  Kiklarc  and  Richard  Miles  Owen, 
Mayors. 


1326  Jolm  White, 

1327  Gregory  Wainbold, 

1328  Henry  Troy, 

1329  Greg.   Wyneband, 


Nicholas  Black,  William  Moore,  W. 
John  Daniel,  John  Nash. 
John    White,    Philip    Wembold. 
William  Blunde,   David   Russell. 


A.  and  S.,  but  according  to  White,  Richard  Milles  Owcu,  Jolm  Moore,  and 
Richai-d  Rembold. 


1330  Greg.  Wyneband, 
John  White, 

1 33 1  Greg.  Wyneband, 


John  of  Kildare  and  William  Cropp 

(A.  and  S.) 
John  Moore,    John   Rembold 

(White). 
William  de  Rupe,   John  Daniell. 


From  1302  to  1349,  Sexten  gives  no  names  ;  Arthur  gives  sonic,  and  White 
the  following  :— 


1332  Thomas  Bambery, 

1333  Greg.  Wainbold, 

1334  Thomas  Black,  of  Kildare, 

1335  Richard  Milles  Owen, 


Thomas  Tallow,  John  Howse. 
\Villiam  de  Rupe,  John  Daniel. 
John  Vigmore,  John  Troy. 
John  Rembold,  Richard  Rembold. 


Sexten  states  that  John  Daniel  was  mayor  this  year,  James  Moore, 
John  Massic,  bailiffs. 


1336  John  White, 

1337  Greg.  Wainbold, 


Richard  Noxthine,  John  White,  W. 
John  Daniel,  John  Nash. 


456 


DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 


According  to  Arthur,  the  persons  following— John  of  Kildare,  John  Daniel] 
Thomas  Ricolf . 


1338  John  Kildare,   A.  W., 

1339  Thomas   Kildare, 

1340  Richard  Miles  Owen, 

1 341  Thomas  Bambery, 

1342  Robert  White, 

1343  Gregory  Wambold, 

1344  Simon  Bouir, 

Gregory  de  Lisborn,  W. 

1345  Nicholas  Fitz-Thomas, 


Nicholas  Symons,  John  Troy,  A. 
Richard  Troy,  Nicholas  Howse,  W. 
John  Fleming,  Laurence  Daniel, W. 
Thomas  Taylor,  John  Howse,  W. 
John  Daniel,  John  Nash,  W. 

Richard  Miles  Owen,  Thomas   de 
Rannecks,  A. 


Simon  Coney, 
1346  Nicholas  Fitz-Symons 


Martin     Fitz-Thomas,     William 

More,   A. 
Richard  Miles  Owen,   Thomas  de 

Knock,  W. 
Nicholas    Tabernator,    Thomas 

White,  A. 
W.  gives  John  Bambury  as  mayor. 


1347  John  Croft,   W., 

1348  Richard  Miles  Owen,  senior, 

Owen,      of 


Adam  Moore,  Richard  Reymbald, 
A.   W. 
1349  Richard      Miles 

Emly,  Rd.  F.  Thomas,John  Loftus,  A. 

M'hite  gives  Thomas  Silver,  Richard  Troy,  and  Nicholas  Hussey. 

Richard  Fitzthomas,  John  Loftus, 

W. 
John,    Moore,    Richard   Rembold, 

W. 

Martin     Fitz-Thomas,     William 


1350  Richard  Millisse  of  Emly, 

1351  Robert  Creagh, 

1352  Nich.   Fitz-Thomas, 

1353  Nicholas  Fitzsimon, 

1354  John  Nash  (W.), 

1355  Nicholas  Black,  of  Kildare, 

1356  John   Kildare, 

1357  Rd.   Bultingfourd, 


Moore,   A. 
Wm.     FitzAdam     More,     Maurice 

FitzRichard    FitzThomas,    A. 
Thomas    Troy,     ]\Iw.     Howse,     of 

Hunlin,   S. 
John   Vigoner,  Richard  Rembold, 

W. 
Richard  Fitzsimon,  Thomas  Trov, 

W. 
Henry     Croyn,     Branden     Valens. 

(A.  and  S.) 


1358  John  Crofte  (S.), 

W  liite  gives  John  Baltingf ord,  Henry  Troy,  and  Branden  Valens. 

1359  Rd-  Milles  Owen,  Rd.   Fitz-Thomas,   Henry  Croyn 

(A.) 
This  mayor  was  sworn  in  on  the  festival  of  St.  Senan  the  Bishop.— A.  MSS. 


1360  Rd.  Milles  Owen,  jun.,  A.W. 

1 361  Nicholas  Bakkecar, 

1362  Robt.  Creaughe  S. 
^3(^3   John  Bambery, 
1364  Thos.   Pill, 

1366  John  Fitz-Thomas  Arthur, 
1366  Thos.   Bambery, 


John  Ffleminge,  Laurence  Daniel » 

A. 
John  Wigmor,  John  Troy,  A. 

Wm.  Longe,   John  White,  S. 
Walter  Gilbert,  Roger  White,  S. 
Rd.  Nashe,  John  White,  S. 
Rd.  Dony,  Robt.  Lisborne,  S. 


APPENDICES. 


457 


1367  John  Bultingfourd, 

1368  Gilbert  Fitz-Thomas, 

1369  John  White, 

1370  Gilbert  F.  Thomas  Blake, 

1 37 1  Robt.  Creaugh,  S., 

1372  John  Arthur,   S., 

1373  Nicholas  Blackader, 

These  were  officers 

1374  Rd.  Milles  Owen, 

137s  Wm.   Bambery, 

1376  Rd.   Bultinfourd, 

1377  Thomas  Kildare,! 

1378  William  White, 

1379  Thomas   Kildare, 

1380  Rd.   Bultingford, 

1 38 1  John  Banbery. 

1382  John  White,  " 

1383  Richd.  Troy, 

1384  Thomas  Kildare, 
13S5  Thom.  Pill, 

1386  Richard  Bultingfourd, 
138Q  John  White, 
1388  Thomas  Malby, 
X389  John  White, 

1390  Richard  Baltingford, 

1 39 1  John  ^Thite, 

1392  John   Kildare, 

1393  Thomas  Kildare, 

1394  Thomas   Kildare, 

1395  Walter  Daniel,   W., 

1396  Richard  BuUingfourd, 

1397  Thomas  Kildare, 

1398  Thomas  Kildare, 

1399  Nicholas  Black, 

1400  John  Arthur, 


John  Vigmor,  Rd.  Skiner,  S. 
Dominick  Cricke,  William  Man,  W. 
Richard  Nnphine,  John  White,  W. 
John  Creaugh,  John  Troy,  A. 
John  Arthur,   W. 
David   Cricke,  Thom.  White,  A. 
John  Wigmore,   John  Troy. 

A.D.  1362,  12th  Aiigust,  S. 

John  Ffleminge,  I^aurence  Daniell. 

S. 
Wm.  Longe,   John  White,  S. 
Thom.  Pill,  Roger  White,  S. 
Wm.  Longe,  Rd.  Grant,  S. 
Thomas  Barkley,  John  Man,  W. 
Thomas  White,  Thomas  Spicer,  S. 
Peter     O'Cullen,     Brandon 

O'Hurtigane,   S. 
Wm.   Longe,   Thom.   Tavlor,   S 
Richard   Nopthyrein,  John   Whyte 

de    Ballysheada,    A. 
Nich.  Woulfe,   John  Trov,  S. 
William  Longe,  Richard  Grand,  S. 
Mathew  Long,  Roger  White,  A. 
Nich.  Gough,  Nich.  Scourlock,    A. 
John  Spaiifourd,  Roger  White,  A. 
John  Cassv,  Richard  Wigmor,  S. 
Roger    White,    Thomas    White. 
PierceCallan,  Brandon  O'Hartigan. 

John  Carter.  John  White,  Alanus 

O'Noyn,  A. 
John   Man,    John   Carter. 
John  Sraws,  Alanus  O'Noyn,  A. 
John    Grante,    John    Carter,    S. 
John  Grant,  Philip  IModdii,  S.  A. 
Brandanus     O'Hethigan       Petrus 

O'Cullan,  A. 
Richard  Wale,  William  Yonge,  A. 
Nicholas   Walsh,  Richard  Mason. 
John  Vigoner,  John  Moody.  W. 
Richard  Troy,  John  Moddii,  A. 


luch 
le  to 
lints 
s  of 


lOnc  of  this  name  (Kildare)  was  representative  for  the  rountv  and  citv  of 
Limerick  in  the  parliament  of  Edward  III..  A.n.  137(>.  at  W,>stiniiist<-r 

[Between  the  Sexten  and  Arthur  and  the  Whili'  "\TSS  roll  ihr  ' 
discrepaucy  from  1357  to  1483,  which  I  have  oiuh  n  \  ,nii(  d',-,-  t;ir  1- 
adjust  by  a  careful  comparison  of  the  rolls.  In  r<Ni<lirm  iImm-  .•,,niii>( 
u  the  chief  magistrates  of  Limerick,  wc  are  rcinindcd  ,,(  \v1j;ii  1  1 
those  of  Rome:  "Tanti  implicant  errores  teniporuni  it  noininuin  ui  1 
sules  fuerint  secundum  quosdam  ordinarcs,  nee."  etc.  '•  So  manv  iiii-iikps 
about  persons  and  dates  embarrass  one,  that  vou  can  neither  tdi  w  Ik.  wove, 
*^?wu\^i^F  others,  nor."  etc.  However,  there  i's  nearlv  a  perfect  airrccinent  in 
all  the  MSS.  rolls  from  1483  down  to  lfi36  and  1««.  when  s!  and  A  end  Arthur 
^^'9"^  appear  to  have  had  access  to  Seldens  roll,  which  he  margins  sometimes 
with  E.  S  He  quotes  ancient  MSS.  for  his  roll.  Sir  James  Ware,  family  monu- 
ments and  records,  etc.,  etc]  i^miii  monu 


458 


DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 


1401 


Peter  Loftus, 


1402  Thomas  Spicer, 

1403  John  Arthur, 

1404  John  Arthur,  27th  June. 
John  Spofford,  6th  Dec,  A., 

1405  Thomas  Kildare, 

1406  (Wanting  in  S.  A.  W.) 

1407  Thomas  Comyn, 

1408  Thomas  Comyn, 

1409  Thomas  Comyn, 

1410  John  Bambery, 

141 1  Thomas  Troy,   A.  W., 

1412  (Wanting  in  S.  A.  W.), 

1413  Thomas  Comyn, 

1414  Thomas  White, 

141 5  Peter  Loftus, 

1416  Thomas  Comyn, 

141 7  Thomas  Comyn, 

141 8  John  Gale,  alias  Spafford, 

1419  John  Spafford, 

Swori-.  the  first  Wednesday  afte 

1420  Richard  Troy, 

1 42 1  Thomas  Arthur, 

1422  Richard  Troy, 
1423 Spafford, 

1424  Pires  Loftus, 

1425  Richard  Troy, 

1426  Thomas  Arthur, 

1427  Nicholas  Stritch, 

1428  Thomas  Comyn,  W. 

1429  (Wanting  in  S.  A.  and  W.) 

1430  Richard  Troy, 

1 43 1  William  Arthur, 

1432  John  Spafford, 

1433  Thomas  Bambery, 

1434  William  Wailsh, 

1435  Richard  Fox, 

1436  Nicholas  Arthur,  A.S.W. 

1437  William  Yong, 

1438  Thomas  Comyn, 

1439  Walter  Yong, 

1440  William  Arthur, 

1 44 1  William  Arthur, 

1442  Nicholas  Arthur, 


John  Budston,   John  Fitz-Robert 

Crevagh,  A. 
Thomas  Comyn,   John  Whyte,  A. 
Thomas  Comyn,  Philip  Lawless,  A. 

John  Moddy,  Peter  O'Cullan,  A. 
Richard  Troy,  Nicholas  Fitz-Howe, 

S.  A.  W. 
Philip  Callane,  John  Moddy,  W. 
Thomas  Arthur,   Nicholas  Walsh, 

A. 
Thomas  Arthur,   Nicholas  Walsh, 

W. 
Thomas  Arthur,   Nicholas  Walsh, 

A. 
William  Long,  John  White,  A. 
Richard  White,  Nicholas  Howell, 

A. 
Nicholas   Walsh,    A. 
Philip  Lawless,  Richard  White,  A. 
Richard  White,  Peter  Loftus,  A. 
William  Budston,   John  Crevagh, 

A. 
John  Nagle,  Nicholas  Walsh,  A. 
Richard  White,  Peter  I,oftus,  A. 
Richard  White.William  Harold,  A. 
Nicholas  Palliel,  John  Moddy,  A. 
■  the  Feast  of  Corpus  Christi,  A. 
Peter  Loftus,   John  Troy,  A. 
Patrick  Cogan,  Thomas  Barton,  W. 
Pires  Loftus,  John  Troy,  W. 
Richard  Arthur,  William  Harold, 

W. 
John  Creaugh,  William  Buston,  A. 
William  Creaugh,  John  Borton,  W. 
Nicholas  Walsh,  John  Rede,  A. 
Edmond  Harrold,  Philip  Nagle, W. 


Patrick    Cogan,  Philip    Russell, 

A.   W. 
Robert  Warren,  John  Loftus,   W. 
Richard   White,    William   Harold, 

W. 
John  Cassy,  Richard  Vigoner,  W. 
William  Loftus,  Thomas  Fox,  W. 
John  Loftus,  Robert  Nagle,  W. 
John  Husshie,  John  Cromwell,  A.S, 
Edmund  Howell,  Philip  Midchael. 

A. 
Philip  Russell,   John  Axdy,   A 
Robert  Warren,  Laurence  Scott,  A. 
Robert  Waring,  John  Loft. 
Robert  Nangle,   Richard  Galway, 

A. 
Patrick  Turger,  Robert  Warren,  S. 


APPENDICES. 


459 


1443  Richard  Ffox, 

1444  Nicholas  Arthur, 

1445  Richard  Arthur, 

1446  Nicholas  Arthur, 

1447  William  Loftus,  W. 

1448  William  Comyn, 

1449  William  Arthur, 

1450  Thomas  Arthur, 

1451  Richard  Arthur, 

1452  Nicholas  Arthur, 

1453  Thomas  Burthon, 

1454  Nicholas  Arthur, 

1455  William  Longe, 

1456  Edmund  Howell, 

1457  Nicholas  Arthur, 

1458  Nich.  Arthur,   A.W., 

1459  William  Comyn, 

1460  Richard  Arthur, 

1461  Patrick  Torger,   A.W., 

1462  Nich.  Fitz-Thomas  Arthur, 

1463  Nicholas  Arthur,   A.W.S., 

1464  Nicholas  Arthur, 

1465  Patrick  Torger, 

1466  Thomas  Arthur, 

1467  Thomas  Arthur, 


John  Lofts,   Robert  Nangyll,  A. 
John  Lofts,  Edmond  Harold,  S. 
John  Loftus,  Robert  Nagle. 
John  Loft,   Edmond  Howers. 

Robert  Waring,  John  Rede,  jun., 

A. 
Patrick  Cogane,  Robert  Nangle,  A. 
John  Creagh,  David  Arthur,  W. 
Edmond   Howell,   Robert   Nangle. 
John  Long,   Patrick  Torger,  A. 
Patrick  Vogane,  Thomas  Budstone 

A. 
John  Lofts,   Edmd,   Harold,   S. 
David    Creagh,    John    Comyn,   S. 
John  Verdune,  William  Whyte,  A. 
John  Roch,  John  Verdun,  A. 
Maurice  Roch,  John  Arthur,  W. 
Patrick    Fox,    Richard    Fanning, 

A.W. 
John  Arthur,  William  Young,  S.A. 
Richard     Stretch,     Anlenus 

O'Neonen,   A. 
Philip  Troy,  Walter  Whyte,  A.W. 
Peter  Arthur,   John  Dondon,  A. 
John  Fitz-William,  Arthur,   John 

Marshall,  A. 
Gerald  Tews,  William  Whyte,  A. 
James  Creagh,  John  Stackpol,  A. 
Patrick  Arthur,   Richard  Stretch, 

A. 


This  year  being  the  nineteenth  of  Edward  IV..  David      fanning  was 
Assessor  of  Limerick.— A.  MSB. 


1468  William  Comyn, 

.1469  Thomas  Arthur, 

1470  Henry  Creagh,  S., 
David  Creagh,  W. 

1 47 1  John  Arthur, 

1472  Patrick  Arthur, 

1473  William  Comyn 

1475  David  Creagh, 

1474  John   Arthur, 

1476  Patrick  Arthur, 

1477  Daniel  Crevagh, 

1478  Thomas  Arthur, 

1479  Thomas  Arthur, 

1480  John  Arthur, 

1 48 1  John  Comyn, 

1482  David  Arthur, 

3483  John  Fitz-Nicholas  Arthur, 


John    Stackpol,  William  Verdune. 

A. 
John  Creagh,  Daniel  Arthur,  A.W. 
Garret  Woulfe,  William  White,  W. 

John  Comyn,  John  Stackpool,  A. 

John  Waring,  Thomas  Woulfe,  A. 

John   Stackpol  John   Verdon,    W. 

Edmond    Arthur,    William    Crom- 

John  Stackpol,  John  Comyn. 
well,   W. 

Edward    Arthur,    William    Crom- 
well,  A. 

Edward    Arthur,    William    Crom- 
well,  A. 

Edmund  Torger,   David  Miagh,  A. 

John  Warren,    David  JMidchell,   A. 

John  Creavagh,   David  Arthur,  A. 

George  Arthur,  Walter  Arthur,  A. 

William  Comyn,  David  Miagh,  A. 

John     Fitz-William     Comyn, 
William   Fitz-Richard   Crevagh. 


460 


DIOCESE   OF  LIMERICK. 


1484  Walter  Whyte,   S.A.W.. 


Maurice     Stackpol, 
Richford,  S. 


Philip 


This  was  the  first  of  the  Whites  of  Ballyconnell  that  came  to  Limerick.- 
>*  .  MSS. 


148 1   William  Harold, 
i486  John  Arthur, 

1487  John  Arthur, 

1488  David  Creagh, 

1489  Thomas  Arthur,   A.W. 

1490  Patrick  Arthur, 

1 49 1  David  Creagh, 

1492  Maurice  Stackpol, 

1493  Edmund  Longe, 

Edmund  Longe, 

1494  Geo.  Fitz-Nicholas  Arthur 

1495  Edmond  Longe, 

1496  George  Comyn, 

1497  George  Comyn, 

1498  William  Harrold, 

1499  David  Roche, 

The  city  sent  this  David  and  Richard  Serjent,  its  orators,  to  Henry  "VII.  A 
violent  contention  arose  between  him  and  his  successor,  Philip  Stackpol, 
relative  to  the  succession  to  the  mayoraltj'. — A.  MSS. 

John    Everard,     Richard    Fitz- 
Nicholas  Creagh. 

Robert  Stackpol,  Edmond  Comyn. 

Richard  Harrold,  Thomas  Crom- 
well. 

Robert  Roche,  Nicholas  Bonevyle. 

Nicholas  Lawless,  Nicholas  Fitz- 
John  Arthur,  John  Lewis  or 
Lawless. 

Nicholas  Creagh,  Nicholas  Roch- 
ford. 

Richard  Whyte,  Richard  Sergeant. 

Nicholas  Harrold,  Nicholas  Ryce. 

Thomas  Young, Richard  Sargeant. 

David  Comvn,  Richard  Boncovle^ 


John    Stackpol,   Richard    Stritch,. 
William  Cromwell,  Myles  Arthur, 

A. 
William  Cromwell,  Myles  Arthur, 

A. 
Edmond  Long,  Nicholas  Nangyll, 

A.W. 
Christopher   Arthur,  John  Whyte, 

W. 
George   Comyn,  Pierce  Rice,  W. 
David  Roche,  Christopher  Arthur. 
William  Arthur,  Edmund  Nangyll, 

A.W. 
David     Roche,     Walter    Harold, 

Thomas  Stackpol. 
Nicholas  Whyte,  David  Verdune. 
Richard  Fox,  David  Meyagh. 
David      Roche,     Walter      Herol,, 

Thomas  Stackpol. 
Richard     Fitz-David    Creagh, 

Thomas  Stackpool. 
Richard      Fitz-David      Creagh, 

Thomas  Stackpool. 
Nicholas     Stretch,     John     Fitz- 

William,    Whyte. 
Thomas  Roche,  John  Stackpol. 


1500  Philip  Stackpol. 

1 501  Christopher  Arthur, 

1502  John  Creagh, 

1503  Nicholas  Stretch, 

1504  Nicholas  Stretch, 


1505  William  Harrold  (2nd  time) 

1506  William  Arthur, 

1507  William  Creagh, 

1508  Richard  Fitz-Patrick  Fox, 

1509  Nichs.  Thos.  Fitz-W.  Arthur, 


INDEX. 


Abbeyfeale 

Adare           .                    13. 

145. 

17 

229 

Church 

194 

Manor 

177. 

213 

Addouan      . 

162 

Aenach  Cairpre 

18 

Aenach  ChuU 

20 

Agath 

164 

i6s 

Ahawilk 

169 

Ahern,  Denis  of  Ard canny 

285 

Aliaghan  River    . 

25 

Annates 

286 

Anhid           .          .120, 

193. 

266 

Ansel m,  St. 

71 

Appletown  . 

i6s 

Aqua  de  Eustace  (Bishop) 

199 

Ara  River   . 

2; 

Archdeacon    of    Diocese 

129 

Archer,  John 

211 

Ardagh, 

17 

105,  129,  144,  163, 

272, 

328 

ChaUce 

106 

INIanor,  Townlands  of 

204 

Ardranny 

119 

190,  268,  28s, 

300, 

306 

Ardevolan    . 

95 

Ardfynan     . 

170 

Ardinir 

1 20, 

160 

Ardivilmartin 

192 

Ardnacrohy 

162 

Ardnegallag   (Knock)     . 

148 

Ardpatrick            .          .88 

190 

192 

Church 

95 

Ardryn 

160 

Ardsyran     . 

170 

Arthur,  Thomas  (Bishop) 

301 

Askeaton 

•  9 

18 

25.  89,    134.  193. 

224, 

296 

Athea 

158 

Athlacca      .          .166, 

192, 

211 

Manor  . 

177 

Athneasv  Church 

192, 

Manor      183,     : 

II, 

288 

Athiseal  (Athassel) 

S9. 

131 

Augustinian  Monasteries— 

- 

Adare  . 

365 

Rathkeale 

366 

19, 

212, 


309. 


BalHnegaul  (Priory) 
Balhnena     . 
Balhngaddy  .      192 

BaUingarry 

193,  269,  298 
Ballybeg      . 
Ballyboher  . 
BaUycahane 
Ballycanan 
Ballychorchiani 
Ballyclogh 
BaUycoleman 
BaUycomane 
Ballycoinmon 
Ballyculhane 
BaUydahy    . 
Ballyegna    . 
Ballyhahill  . 
Ballyhathern 
BaUygiveran 
Ballygrennan 
BaUymahs  . 
Ballymorrough 
Ballynash    . 
Ballynabearna 
Ballvnantv  (Mor) 
'  ..      '    (Beg) 
Bally  Marcada 
Ballypierce 
Ballysheedy 
Banbhan,  St. 
Beaghan     Hugh,     Bishop     of 

Scattery  . 
Bealus 

Bellaghdromar 
Beretcheart,  St. 

Tombstone 
Bermingham,  Sir  Walter 
Berouse  de  William 
Betagii 
Bilboa 
Black  Castle 
Blund,   Nicholas 
Blunt,   Robert 
Boolaveeda 
Boscher 
Bothirehagard 


355 
162 
285 
68, 

335 

162 
158 
190 
148 
124 

131 
172 

22 
158 
173 
163 

17 

21 
162 
160 
148 
158 
163 
15S 
162 
148 
148 
124 
162 
149 

63 


149 
109 
97 
98 
i«3 

QO 
156 
24 
22 

166 
161 

54 
160 
184 


462 


DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK 


PAGE 

PAGE 

Brendan  of  Birr 

41 

Cathal 

26 

Brendan,  St.,  life  . 

50 

Cathedral,  St.  Mary's 

76, 

128 

Brian  Boru 

67 

Historv'of  . 

378 

Braosa 

86 

Catherine,  St.,  of  O'Conyl 

191 

Brigown 

26 

St.,  Abbey  . 

374 

Browne,  Thomas 

144 

Ceannfeabharat    . 

26 

Bruce  invasion     . 

219 

Celsus 

96 

Bruff 

121 

Celtic  Church 

126 

Cliurch 

263 

Chanluayn,  John 

285 

Bruree 

7.  17 

.69, 

Chapter,  Liberties  of     . 

141 

70.  79.  95.  133.  I 

74.  189, 

312 

Chapter 

128 

Bunoke 

25 

Charleville   . 

2? 

Burgh,  Richard    . 

174 

Churches  of  Diocese,  List 

of' 

246 

Burgo,  Hubert     . 

307 

Churches  of  the  Diocese 

180 

Burgo,  de  WilUam 

87,    88 

89 

Ciaran  of  Clonmacnoise 

41.   42 

Cladh  Dubh  na  Ratha  . 

25 

Clare,  Gilbert 

." 

216 

Caenraighe,  sec  Kenry. 

de  Richard 

220 

Cahair  Cuan 

69 

de  Thomas         144 

,    166 

216 

Caher  River 

23 

Clarina 

187 

Caherass 

24. 

1 4. 1 

Claronaedugan 

124 

Caherchincon 

18 

Cleirchen      . 

78 

Caherdavin 

90, 

148 

Cleanglass    . 

5.  49,  84 

Cam-Feradhaigh 

29 

Clee  Ruadg 

25 

Caherlevoy 

1 7 

Cliu  Mail     . 

12 

Cahernarry 

29,  90 

133 

Cloinrlouthny 

158 

Cahervally  . 

. 

124 

Cloghau 

19 

Cairbre,  son  of  Cleirchei 

1 

78 

Cloonana     . 

193 

268 

Cairbre,  Eva 

2, 

10 

Clonagh        .           .        112, 

140. 

190 

Caislen  Nua 

155 

Cloncagh     .             28,  102 

105, 

271 

Calathawa  . 

. 

97 

Cloncrew      .           .       10 1, 

270, 

310 

Callan  (battle)      . 

. 

153 

Clondnnagh 

148 

Calgauthe    . 

165 

Clonmakin 

90, 

148 

Camus  Chapel 

263 

Clonmacnoise 

48 

Cantelon,  Thomas 

306 

Cloncourtha  (Coleman's  Well 

138 

Cantreds  of  Limerick 

232 

Clonelty 

103 

Cannera,  St. 

41 

144.    193. 

212, 

271 

CantiUon,  Adam 

169 

Cloonmore  . 

169 

Capaghtiemore     . 

148 

Clonnawyl  . 

140 

Cappa 

189. 

271 

Clonshire      .          .        113, 

140, 

190 

Capella,  Henry    . 

169 

Manor,  Townlands  of 

203 

David     . 

160 

Clouncarnan 

158 

David     . 

169 

Cluonidublach 

124 

Henry    . 

160 

Clouthran,  John 

159 

Cardiff,  William  de 

129 

Cluenclaidmech     . 

102 

Camarrie     . 

29 

Cluin  Credhuil 

46 

Carnagh 

160 

Cogan 

86 

Casey 

170 

Coigne  and  Livery 

. 

221 

Cashel 

82 

Colomiregan,  Canon 

129 

Cassidon 

41 

Coleman's  Well    .          97, 

138, 

311 

Cassidan 

39 

Comogue      . 

24 

Castle  Blathac      . 

148 

Connelloe     . 

153 

Castleblake 

148 

Coolcappa    . 

. 

17 

Castle  Connell 

88 

Coolcronogue 

17 

Castledonnell 

148 

Coonagh 

148 

Castlerobert           .        i^ 

V.   194. 

267 

Corbally 

. 

149 

INDEX. 

463 

PAGE 

PAGE 

Corcaoiche  .          .          23, 

161, 

326 

Domnal,  son  of  WacLochlain        78 

Corcomroe  . 

39 

Donegan 

20 

Corcoiche     . 

3,48 

Donnchadh 

78 

Corca  Mohoid 

7 

145 

Donovan 

•          67 

171 

269 

310 

Dooally 

.        162 

Corcomohide 

287 

Doondonncll 

193.    312 

Cor  mac  MacCuillenan   . 

43 

Dowyll 

•        163 

Conaill,  Hy  or  Vi 

2,    3 

Drehidtarsna 

113.    267 

Costello,  Michael,  Rev. 

. 

287 

Dromcollogher 

102,    269 

Coterel,  Ismaena 

. 

162 

Dromin 

-    II,    20, 

Cotheini 

. 

128 

79.   129,   131. 

303,  30'> 

Courtbrack 

149 

Drommoluba 

129,   131 

Crag 

159 

Drominycarra 

•      165 

Cratloe 

148 

Drumassal  Church 

.      265 

Creagh,  Andrew  . 

312 

Drumdel   (Toomdeely) 

•      138 

Creagh,  Peter  (Bishop) 

208 

Drumroe 

•      163 

Creagh,  WilUam  (Bishop) 

299 

Drumtrasna 

.      163 

Crean 

165 

Dubhcenn    . 

66 

Crecora                   .        i 20, 

145. 

312 

Dunan 

72 

Cresdire 

169 

Duncaha 

.      160 

Crewe,   Iwally 

149 

Dunchath    . 

.        69 

Crispin,  Thomas  . 

159 

Dundon,  John 

•      304 

Croagh 

8, 

133. 

Dimdonald,  Robert  (Bishop)       1S8 

164,  173,  190,  271, 

29s. 

297 

Dundonenald,  William. 

.      161 

Croom        177,    193.    194. 

297, 

308 

Dungair 

18 

Cromlech     . 

20 

Dun  Eochair  Mhaighe 

.17,  69 

Cromman     . 

169, 

268 

Dunkip 

•      193 

Cropp.  Walter      . 

133 

Dunmoylan 

10.  ^93 

Cuilne 

48 

Dunnaman 

.      266 

Cuirbin 

59 

Dunnow,  John  (Bishop) 

•      307 

Cummian  Foda,  St.,  Life 

52 

Dysert,  Angus      . 

.      113. 

Curioth  (Peter  Bishop)  . 

208 

190, 266 
Drvnan 

,297.312 
9,   159 

Daar  River 

25 

Dyere 

.      169 

Danes  burn  Kilpeacon 

. 

66 

Mungret    . 

66 

,,     Christianity  among 

. 

71 

Eas  Geibhtine 

9.   18 

in  Hy  Fidhgente 

. 

65 

Echu  Ballderg      . 

30 

Darragh       .          .        141, 

192, 

313 

Edmuud  (Bishop) 

•      130 

Darcey,   Viceroy 

222 

Effin               145,  174,  190, 

208,  298 

David,  St.,  Wales 

. 

75 

Emly 

79 

Deel  River 

24 

Emlygrennan 

92,    190 

Desmond,  Manrice  of 

219 

Escluuana, 

13 

Dermot  MacMorrough  . 

82 

Manor  of 

.      186 

Dermoho     . 

141 

Eugenians 

.        84 

Derrin 

161 

Deryndromcarme 

161 

Derrygalvin           .         191 

285 

303 

Farannan  of  Armagh 

•        65 

Desibeg 

13 

175 

Farrengallagh 

•      149 

Diarmuid     . 

20 

Farrenkelly 

.      148 

Disert  Mic  Cuilin  . 

71 

Farrenshone 

.      148 

Dollas 

266 

Fedamore              .         190, 

307.  312 

Dolmen 

20 

Feale 

25 

Dominicans 

346 

Fidhgente,  Topography  of,  Chap.  i. 

Donaghmore 

18 

,  120 

,,    Manners  and  Customs  of 

129, 19c 

,  211 

,299 

Chap  u. 

464 


DIOCESE    OF   LIMERICK. 


PAGE 

PAG  2 

Fidhgcnte,  Introduction  of 

Glenagown 

161 

Christianity,  Chap  iii. 

Glenengrosse 

I4S 

„    Monastic  Foundations  of 

Glenmore     . 

22 

Chap  iv. 

Glennestar  . 

162 

,,    Invasion  of  the  Danes 

Chap  V. 

Glengort 

162 

,,    Domestic  affairs  of 

79 

Glenogra 

154, 

65,  191 

•    297 

Filpagan,  Ciaria    . 

•      144 

Glengort 

5 

Findchua  (St.)       . 

26 

Glenquin      . 

162 

Finn  :Mac  Cumhil 

23 

Glin 

311 

Finne 

31 

Goer,  Margaret 

159 

Finnoe 

.      158 

Gortcolgyn 

7 

Fitzanthony,  Thomas  . 

•      153 

Gortscagh    . 

169 

Fitzgerald,  AmabiUa     . 

145.    171 

Gortcoythe 

4 

John 

•      144 

Gortculligon 

7 

Juliana      145, 

171,   213 

Gortmolkeran 

160 

Fit.zgibbon  . 

•      334 

Graigue 

24 

Fitzhenry    . 

•        Sy 

Granagh 

161 

Fitzjohn,  John 

159,    169 

Grange 

272 

Fitzmaurice,  Thomas 

152,  153 

Church 

192 

Maurice    . 

.      169 

Grey,   John  (Bishop) 

147 

Fitzmartin,  William      . 

144 

Fitzmilon,  Gerald 

•      144 

Hackett  Robert 

162 

Fitzrobert,   Henry 

.      160 

Harold,  Stephen 

313 

First  Fruits 

.      286 

Harold 

66 

Fitzstephen 

82,  86 

Holy  Wells 

61 

Fitztahkard  Archibald 

.      166 

Henry  II.    . 

81 

Fitzthomas,   John         145, 

152,  171 

Hospitallers 

194 

361 

,,     Death  of 

.      216 

Howardstown 

174 

Flander,  Adae 

•      144 

Hubert  (Bishop) 

131 

Flaherty,   Abbot 

•        43 

Hy  Conaill 

89 

Fleming,  Walter 

.      169 

Hy  Fidhgente 

84 

125 

Foynes 

31,    80 

Folan,   John  (Bishop)    . 
Fox,   John 
Franciscan   Houses  : — 

Limerick 

Friarstown    . 

Askeaton 

Adare  . 

Ballingarry    . 

•  309 

.      285 

■      355 
357 
357 

•  359 
-      360 

Inchoman    . 

Iniscarra 

Inis  Cathaigh    (Scatter 

land)    .          . 
Inis  Sibhton 
Ita,  St. 
Ivar 
veru 

V  Is-' 
'  •      38 

4 

14. 

122 
40 

388 
67 

.  44 
66 

1 12 

Free  tenants 

.      156 

Frybeigh 
Fulachta  Fiann    . 

.      148 

23 

John  (King)                 86. 

87.  88, 

147 

John's,  St.,  Church 

123 

191 

John  St.  John 

131. 

132 

Garad 

23 

James,  St.  (Adare) 

191 

Garran 

•      159 

James,  Earl  of  Desmond 

321 

Garbally       . 

.      169 

Gebennach  (King) 

•        6s 

Kantogher 

. 

165 

Gerald  (Bishop)   . 

.      141 

Kardyf  Tvrrel 

140 

Geraldines   . 

152 

Keale 

24 

Geoffrey  (Bishop) 

•        IjO 

Keilnacailly 

119 

Gillebert       . 

72 

Kellonachan 

124 

Glancorby  .            .           10, 

132,  159 

Kelly,  Ralph  (Arch.)     . 

200 

Glenagower 

160 

Kenealy 

65 

Gleande  Church  . 

.      267 

Kenry          , 

14.  5 

9,  173. 

325 

INDEX. 


465 


Keynsham  (Monastery) 


PAGE 

133 


Kilbradran 


Kilbegly 

Kilbreedy 

Kilconlea 

Kilconegan 

Kilcoora 

Kilcornan    . 

Kilcosgrave 

Kilscroscran 

Kilcoleman 

Kilcurly 

Kilderry 

Kildecolum 

Kildimo 

Killeely 

Killeeline 
Killeedv 
66 


193 


194. 


9.  159. 
28S,  3" 

•  175 
191,  313 

.   162 

19.  175 

.   165 

118,  138, 

12,  267,  285,  295 

•  159 

•  159 

•  193 
6,  194,  267 

.   166 
17,  129  268 
•9,  190,  268 
122,  129, 
148,  300,  307,  308,  310 
164 
.  6,  44, 
05,  155,  164.  190.  211, 
285,  298,  306 
Killeihm   . 


17. 


Kilgobbin    . 
Kilfergus  (Glin) 
Kilfinnane 
Kilfinny 
Kilfintanan 
Killilagh 

Kill    Ita  (Killeedy) 
Kilkenrro     . 
Kilkeedy  191. 

Kilkenny,  Statute  of 
Kilmacow    . 
Kilmallock  (Priory) 
Church 


(9. 


113- 


93,    94 
Burgesses  of 
Townlands  of 
Town  of 
Castle  of     . 
Names  of   streets 
there 


•  132 
:32,  26S 
09,  140 
18,  192 
90,    271 

190,    285,    310 

6,    192,    274 

.        65 

.      165 

208,  298,  311 

226 

.      269 

•  352 
308 

.      179 

.      179 

178,  335 

91 


Kilmeedy     . 

Kilmoylan 

Kilmurry 

Kilmurly     . 

Killnahan 

Killogholehan 

Kilpeacon 

Kilquane     . 

Kilready 

Kilrodane    . 

Kilrush 

Kilscalbeg   . 

Kilscoly 


179 
270 
3" 
303 
109,  140 
116,  265 
00,  192,  3" 
22,  190,  312 
96,  175,  190,  191 
170 
162 
190 
132 
132 


•       304. 
39.   191. 


[22,     148, 


Kilscannell 

190,    212, 
Kilulta 
Kilteely 
Kiltanna 
Kilkyrely     . 
Knights  Templars 
Knight  of  Glyn 
Knock 

Knockbalytornse 
Knockbrack 
Knockea 
Knockinishin 
Knockeveny 
Knockainey 
Knocknabooly 
Knockpatrick 
Knockrathdermot,  also 
Knockroedermot 


PAGE 

140, 

,  308 

117 

27 
133 
116 
361 
232 
148 
140 
162 

29 
148 
158 
170 
140 

27 

5,   162 


174.  231 

.      312 

72 

•  159 
.  206 
.       65 

169 
52 

•  159 
.      16s 


Lacy 

Lacy,  Ugo 

Lan  franc 

Laundry  Gilbert 

Lawless,  Stephen  (Bishop) 

Lee,  Timothy,  Rev. 

Lee,  De  Maurice 

Leithmore    . 

Lees,  Robert 

Levimore     . 

Legger,  Thomas  (Bishop)   294,  299 

Lisredy         .  .  •  .146 

Lismakeery  .  .  9.  iS9.  i?3 

Lismatleth  . 

Lisnacullia  . 

Lissatotan   . 

Limerick,  Synod  at 

(City),  Affairs  of 
.,  (City),  Customs 
,,        Grievances 

Charter  to   151 

City      .  (>T,   83,   84 

Diocese  .  71.   75 

Lissoleem    .  .  .     18,  20,  22 

Lonan,  Chieftain  of  Hy  Fidh- 

gente 
London,  Maurice 

Richard  .  .162 

Richard  of      .  -132 

Lougig  .  .  •  .164 

Lough  Gur  17,  19.  20.  69,  84 

Loughill       no,   140.   144.   ^IZ,  313 

Manor    .  .  .      204 

,,     Free  Tenants  of  205 
II  ,,     Townlands  of       205 

2  H 


161 

322 

289 
314 
149 
150 
231.  235 


28 
159 


466 


DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 


Loughgill  Manor,  Betagii 
Lucy,  Anthony    . 
Luachra  Mountains 


McCarthy  .  82,  i 

MacEnery,  Denis 

Macnamara,  Matthew 

MacSeehy    . 

Macclache,   John 

Magdublanca 

Magmor 

Magreny       .         .  .  8, 

Mahoonagh     164,  193,  217,  270, 

,,  Manor 

Mahon 
Maigue 
Mainsteranenagh     19,  191,  227; 

„  Abbey  of 

Malloy  .... 

Maltravers,  John  .      173, 

Mantan,  Deacon 
Manors,  Anglo-Norman 
Mareschal,  Le  Maurice 
Maria  Rotunda    . 
Marisco,  Geoffrey  134-138, 

„         John 
Martin,  St. 
Marks,  Le   . 
Mary,  St.,  Limerick 

Rathkeale 
Mary,  Edward,  Sts.,  and  the 

Holy  Cross  Monastery 
Maunsel,  Thomas 
Maurice,  Earl  of  Desmond      . 
Moyavenach    (Mahoonagh) 
Moycroo       .  .  •  -133 

Meaghan      ....  5 

Mayncroo  (Croagh)        .  .164 

Meane  .  .        169,   302,  329 

Meigah,  Robert    .  .  .146 

Meranus  Chapel  .  .  .     266 

Miagh,  WiUiam  .  .      308 

Moanlena     .  .  •  .170 

Molanfide  Monastery    .  .141 

Molua,  St.  ...  56,  93 

Monagea  .     5,  22,   212,   272 

Monateries  .  .  59 

Monastic  Foundations  .        34 

Monagay      .  .        212,  272,   302 

Monehuryn  .         .  •       267 

Morgans  .  .  .110 

Mornane       .  .  .  •      I94 

Mothel,  John  (Bishop)  .     288 

Mount  Collins       ...  5 

Moylish  .  .  .148 

IMulkear  River      ...        24 


223 

25 

154 
287 
300 
322 
308 
124 
109 
271 
334 
169 
68 
24 
287 
337 
68 

231 
28 
152 
144 
123 
141 
174 
123 
174 
191 
191 

370 
166 

335 
6 


Munimartha 
Munchin,  St. 


PAGE 
.        124 

58,  71.  123. 

129,  190,  296,  297,  307,  312 

Mungret  Manor    .  .  .     201 

,,      Betagii    .  .      201 

,,     Townlands  of  .      201 

,,     Free  tenants  of      202 

29,  34,  129, 

131,  ^33.  138.  189,  306 
Murtagh  O'Brien  .  .        72 

Myles  (Bishop)     .  .  .146 


Nanagh,  Le 

.      161 

Nangle,  Alan 

.      164 

Nantenan 

8,    140 

Nectan,   Kenfhoda 

41 

Nessan,  St. 

28,  34 

Newcastle  West 

9.    155.  32S 

Newcastle  Manor  161,  219,  220,  228 
Church  .       192,  272 

Newtown     .  .  .  .186 

Nicholas,  St.  (Church)  .      132 

Normans      .  .  .  81,   86 


5.   161, 
82,  83 


78, 


O'Broggv,  Thomas 

O'Billery      . 

O'Bathan     . 

O'Brien,  Donald 

O'Cathail,  Florence 

O'Connelly,  Maurice 

O'Coggran,  Maurice 

O'ColUns      . 

O'Cholchur 

O'Casey 

O'Connor,  Roderic 

O'Clery 

O'Connuyle,  Thady 

O'Dea,  Cornelius  (Bishop) 
Mitre  of     . 
Crozier  of 
Black  Book  of    , 
Taxation  of  Diocese  of 
Cornelius,  of  Kilmoylan 

O'Donwys   . 

Odran 

O'Doncha,  Thomas 

O'Donnells 

O'Dwyer,  William 

O'Flinagayn,  William 

O' Fergus 

O'Gallawhore 

O'Gawyr      . 

O'Hogan,  Donald 

O'Hanranin,  Maurice 

O'Hurly,  Maurice 


285 

79 
327 

84 
28s 
296 
28s 

84 
145 
170 

78 

78 
286 
241 
243 
243 
244 
246 
295 
164 

43 
286 

69 
285 
306 
332 
9 
160 
285 
308 
312 


INDEX, 


467 


PAGE 

PAGE 

O'Keeffe.  Tadeus 

312 

Robertstown 

159. 

306 

O'Leayn,  Gilbert 

297 

Robert  (Bishop) 

188 

Old  Abbey 

374 

Rochfort,  Maurice  (Bishop) 

200 

231 

OlioU  Olum 

I, 

18 

,  26 

Rocheford,  Maurice 

145. 

176 

O'Lynch,  Cornelius 

296 

Rooska 

162 

O'Leayn,  James 

296 

Rosmide 

44 

Olybane 

8 

Rossbrien    . 

149 

O'Maloney,  William 

309 

Russell  Chapel     . 

267 

O'Malley      . 

13 

Russell,  Thomas 

306 

O'Mayl 

I. 

n 

149 

O'Mulcorkery,  Gerald 
Arch. 

313 
211 

Samhain  (Knock  Sowna) 
Shanrath 

26 
169 

O'Noonan,  Richard 

Oolagh 

O' Regan,  Thomas 

Organization  of  Diocese 

O'Riordan,  Thomas 

170 
3" 

25 
140 
128 
287 

Say  Chapel 
Saunford,  Archbishop 
Senan,  St.   . 
Shanabooley 
Shanavoha 'Church 

266 
174 
38 
148 
269 

Oresser  (Iverus)  . 

133 

Shanagolden 

.  F 

III, 

O'Ronayn,  James 
Osyche,  Thomas 
O'Scanlan,  Maurice 

310 
285 
313 

129,  205, 
Shanid          .          .          10, 
Battle  of 
]\Ianor     . 

299. 
154. 

306 
323 
66 
157 

Townlands  of 

158 

Patrick,  St.,  in  Hy  Fidhgent 

e 

27 

Saviour's,  St.,  Limerick 

. 

346 

Penrys,  John 

144 

Sergant 

89 

Perell,   John 

310 

Singland                121,    129, 

132, 

190 

Peter,  St.,  Convent 

Z77 

Sixmilebridge 

352 

Portesbury,  Adam 

161 

Slane,  Philip 

. 

166 

Prendergast,   Philip 

174 

SUeve,  Riach 

26 

Priorsland   . 

I. 

is 

149 

Solohead 

67 

Prisage 

163 

Stack,   John 

298 

Pulcherius,  St.      . 

51 

Stackpoole,   Richard   (Bishop 

Purcell.   Robert    . 

160 

elect) 

307 

Hugh       . 

173 

Strafford 

86 

Purgatory    . 

. 

47 

Tankardstown 

192 

313 

Rathbane     . 

149 

Tawnaghe  (Tuath) 

6 

Rathbreasail  Synod       .        , 

■■5 

125 

Templeglantine    . 

. 

274 

Rathcahill   . 

192 

Tinnakilla    . 

21 

Rathgarellein 

129 

Tirvoe 

186 

Rathgalway 

329 

Thomas.  Earl  of  Desmond 

320 

Rathfreeda 

169 

Thomond,  John  . 

164 

Rathkeale    .          .          .        i 

33 

-  134 

Tithes 

283 

Manor           .       i 

72 

,   220 

Toomdeely 

Ill 

140 

Rathneconyr 

163 

Tobbernea  Manor 

174 

231 

Rathronan  .          .        160,   1 

32 

296 

Tolauhariter 

158 

Rathmichel 

149 

Tournafnlla 

55 

Rathnaser   .          .          .       i 

29 

-    17^ 

Towers  (Round) 

127 

Rathurd       .           .          18,    i 

24 

149 

Treda-na-righ 

18 

Reboge 

149 

Treaninoregney    . 

8 

Red  Chair  . 

69 

Trinitarian  Abbey.  Adare 

362 

Rental  of  Connello,  divisions 

of    32i! 

Trostany  Church  , 

266 

Reenes 

171 

Tullabracy 

116 

144. 

Richard  I.  (King) 

87 

190,  199,  211,    285, 

287 

288 

Robert  of  Emly  (Bishc 

P) 

139 

Inquisition  of 

288 

468 

DIOCESE   OF   LIMERICK. 

PAGE 

PAGE 

Tuath 

I 

Wall,  Nicholas      . 

•      309 

Tullylease  Church 

97 

Raymond  . 

i?9 

Tyrell,  Vicar  of  Ad  are 

•      132 

Stephen  (Bishop) 

.      207 

Richard 

r  162 

Uregare 

.      192 

Waspail,  Robert  . 

134.  172 

Ui  Rosa 

14 

Wells,  see  Holy  Wells. 

Uirgedi 

.      :92 

White  Knight 

.    217 

Wirigedi       . 

•    177 

Valence,  Agnes 

.      166 

Wodeford,  William  (Dean) 

•    132 

Valoignes,  Hanio 

87.   89 

NOTES   AND    CORRECTIONS. 

CHAPTER  III. 

Carn  Feradaigh. 
Mr.  Thomas  J.  Westropp,  in  his  recent  pubUcation  The  Ancient 
Castles  of  the  County  Limerick  (North-eastern  baronies),  equates 
Carn  Feradaigh  with  Cahernarry,  on  the  authority  of  a  MS.  called 
the  Rental  of  the  Burkes,  preserved  in  Trinity  College,  and  compiled 
about  the  year  a.d  1540,  which  confirms  my  identification  of  Carn 
Feradaigh. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Wherever  Cuimen  of  Down  occurs,  should  be  Cuimin  of  Connor. 
(See  Martyrology  of  Tallaght.) 

CHAPTER  V. 

Page  66,  line  6,  Niall  Son  Cennfaeladh,  should  be  Niall,  son  of 
Cennfaeladh. 

The  quotation  in  middle  of  page  77  is  taken  from  Mahoney's 
edition  of  Keating's  History  of  Ireland,  and  not  from^the  Chromcon 
Scotorum  as  there  marked.  The  Chronicon  is  quoted  for  fixing  the  year 
of  Gillebert's  death,  and  should  have  been  note   i  in  the  next  page. 


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BACON  :  Twenty  Selected  Essays.  First  Series.  Edited, 
with  Introduction  and  Notes,  by  J.  O'Byrne  Croke 
M.A.,  formeriy  First  Scholar  of  Queen's  College. 
Galway,  and  Senior  Scholar  of  Queen's  College,  Cork. 
Second  Edition.     Crown  8vo,  cloth,  is. 

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BYRON  :  Prisoner  of  Chillon.  With  Notes,  by  W.  F.  Bailey, 
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COWPER,  GOLDSMITH,  BURNS,  MOORE,  LONGFELLOW 

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Notes,  by  John  Cooke,  M.A.     Crown  8vo,  cloth,  is. 

DICKENS:  A  Christmas  Carol.  With  Introduction, 
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EDGE  WORTH,  MARIA  :  Selected  Tales,  with  Introduc- 
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GOLDSMITH  :  The  Traveller.  Edited  by  W.  F.  Bailey, 
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County  Maps  of  Breland.  A  New  Series  of 
Coloured  Wall  Maps,  20  in.  by  27  in.,  each  representing 
one  County  on  large  scale,  showing  towns,  villages 
roads,  churches,  schools,  and  all  physical  features. 
Mounted  on  cloth  and  rollers,  varnished.  Each 
3s.  6d.  net. 


Antrim 

Kerry 

Monaghan 

Armagh 

Kildare 

Queen's  County 

Carlow 

Kilkenny 

Roscommon 

Cavan 

Kmg's  County 

Sligo 

Clare 

Leitrim 

Tipperary 

Cork 

Limerick 

Tyrone 

Donegal 

Londonderry 

Waterford 

Down 

Longford 

Westmeath 

Dublin 

Louth 

Wexford 

Fermanagh 

Mayo 

Wicklow 

Galway 

Meath 

Browne    and     Nolan's 

Wall    Pictures.       Coloured, 
Lesson  in  large  type  at  foot. 


Natural     History 

with   Notes  for  Object 
This  is  the  finest  series 


24        BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED. 

of   the   kind  yet   produced.     Mounted  on  Cloth  and 
rollers,  varnished,  36  in.  by  26  in.,  each  2s.  6d.  net. 

Elephant  Dog  Horse 

Lion  Ostrich  Cat 

Tiger  Camel  Goat 

Cow  Bear  Sheep 

Irish     Phonetics.       By     Rev.    M.    0 'FLANAGAN. 

8vo,  4d.  net. 

Irish  Pronunciation :  Practice  and  Theory. 

By  Rev.  WM.  HAYDEN,  S.J.     Demy  8vo,  30  pp.,  6d. 

Irish  Writing  Copy  Book.    2d. 


CAItlUC*  Conversational  Lessons  in  Irish.  By  JOHN 
O'KEANE.  Crown  8vo,  2d.  net.  With  "  Notes  for 
Teachers,"  4d.  net. 


BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LLAIITED.        25 


Music. 

Choruses  suitable  for  Choral  Classes  and 
School    Choirs. 

No.  I.  The  Fairies'  Lullaby.  Irish  Melody  from  Horn- 
castle's  "  Music  of  Ireland."  For  four  mixed  voices. 
Staff  and  Tonic  Sol-fa  Notations,  with  Accompani- 
ment,    i^d. 

No.  2.  Same.  In  Tonic  Sol-fa,  arranged  for  four  female 
voices  (S.S.A.A.).  Arranged  by  P.  Goodman  ;  two 
Sight  Tests  in  Tonic  Sol-fa  by  Bertalotti.     id.  net. 

No.  3.  A  Forest  Breeze.  Irish  Part-song  for  four  mixed 
voices  (S.A.T.B.).  Arranged,  Tonic  Sol-fa  and  Staff, 
by  P.  Goodman.  Words  adapted  from  Richard 
Dalton  Williams.     i|d. 

No.  4.  bAn-cnuic  eijAeAnn  65.  Irish  Melody,  with 
Irish  Words.  Arranged  for  four  mixed  voices.  In 
Tonic  Sol-fa  and  Staff  Notations.     iM. 

No.  5.  X)iA  Ut),  A  lAociAd.t)  JAOiiDeAl.  Staff  Notation, 
arranged  in  four  parts  by  Robert  Dwyer.     i^d. 

No.  6.  Madrigal— The  Heavenly  Spring.  English  words 
by  W.  A.  Byrne  ;  Music  by  Palestrina  ;  edited  by 
the  Rev.  H.  Bewerunge.  (S.A.T.B.),  Staff  Notation, 
ijd. 


26        BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED. 

Music  for  Choral  Classes — continued. 

No.  7.  Same.  Tonic  Sol-fa.  Arranged  for  four  equal 
voices,  by  the  Rev.  H.  Bewerunge,     i^d. 

No.  8.  Two  Irish  Songs  :  An  Cl6-i|AfeAc  ;  Ciblin  a  Ruin. 
Arranged  for  three  equal  voices.  Tonic  Sol-fa 
Notation,     id. 

No.  10.  O'Donnell  Abu.  Words  by  M.  J.  M'Cann. 
Arranged  for  four  mixed  voices  by  Ch.  S.  Craddock. 
Tonic  Sol-fa  Notation,     id. 

No.  II.  Same.  Staff  Notation,  with  Accompaniment.  i|d. 

No.  12.  Avenging  and  Bright.  Arranged  for  three  male 
voices  :  ist  Tenor,  2nd  Tenor,  and  Bass.  Staff 
Notation.     By  R.  Dwyer.     id. 

No.  13.  Two  Irish  Part  Songs  :  "  The  Holly  and  Ivy  Girl." 
Words  by  John  Keegan.  "  The  Songs  our  Fathers 
Loved."  Words  by  F.  Hemans.  Arranged  for  four 
mixed  voices,  by  Ch.  S.  Craddock.    Tonic  Sol-fa.     id. 

No.  14.  The  Holly  and  Ivy  Girl.  Arranged  for  four  mixed 
voices  (S.A.T.B.).  Staff  Notation,  with  Accompani- 
ment, by  Ch.  S.  Craddock.     id. 

No.  15.  The  Songs  Our  Fathers  Loved.  Arranged  for 
four  mixed  voices  (S.A.T.B.).  Staff  Notation,  with 
Accompaniment,  by  Ch.  S.  Craddock.     id. 

No.  16.  The  Bells  of  Shandon.  Words  by  Father  Prout. 
For  four  mixed  voices  (S.A.T.B.),  by  Brendan 
Rogers,  Junior.  Staff  Notation,  with  Accompani- 
ment,    id. 


BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED.         27 

Music  for  Choral  Classes— continued. 

No.  17.  0  the  Sight  Entrancing !  Words  by  Thomas 
Moore.  Arranged  for  four  Male  voices  (I.  and  II.  T., 
I.  and  II.  B.),  with  Accompaniment,  by  Brendan 
Rogers,  Junior,     ijd. 


Irish  Song  Book.  Tome  Sol-fa.  ctiuArACT) 
tJeAS  ArirHAn.  te  Iia^ai-o  AOf  65  riA  S^^^'oi'Lje 
tD'pogluitn  inf  nA  ■pgcileAnriAi'b.  Ua  ha  j-eAn- 
yuinn  50  binn  miti|'  Ae^^eAc,  ^Y  riA  ViAiiiiiAin  ye^x^ 
jATi  Aon  tocc.  Cuix)  A  ViAon.  An  c-AcAi-p  pA"opAi5 
b|\eAcnAc, -00  citummj.  id.  net;  Part  II.,  id,  net; 
Part  III.,  id.  net;  Part  IV.     id.  net. 


Manuscript    Music   Books   and    Papers. 

Manuscript  Music  Book,  ruled  for  Staff  Notation.     12  by 
92.  24  pp.,  6d. 

Manuscript  Music  Paper,  ruled  for  Staff  Notation,  12  by 
9^,  per  quire,  is. 

Manuscript  Music  Book,  ruled  for  Tonic  Sol-fa,  10  by  8, 
72  pp.,  6d. 

Manuscript  Music  Book,  ruled  for  Tonic  Sol-fa,  8   by  5, 
24  pp.,  id. 


24  &  25  Nassau-street,  Dublin. 
Summer,  1906. 


miscellaneous  Works 

PUBLISHED    BY 

BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED. 


A  History  of  the  Colony  of  Sierra  Leone, 

Western  Africa.  With  Maps  and  Appendices.  By 
Major  J.  J.  CROOKS,  sometime  Colonial  Secretary, 
Sierra  Leone,  author  of  "  A  Short  History  of  Sierra 
Leone."     Crown  8vo,  376  and  vi.  pp.,  cloth,  5s.  net. 

"...  Readable,  interesting,  instructive.  The  volume  is  pro 
vided  with  Maps,  and  a  good  index,  and  is  a  mine  of  information 
on  all  things  appertaining  to  Sierra  Leone." — British  and  South 
African  Export  Gazette. 

"  A  compact  and  careful  history  of  this  British  Colony,  written 
by  its  former  Colonial  Secretary.  The  book  gives  a  picture  of  the 
Colony  that  is,  to  say  the  least,  striking." — American  Geographical 
Society. 


Archdall's  Monasticon  Hibernicum  Edited, 

with  extensive  Notes,  by  His  Eminence  CARDINAL 
MORAN,  Archbishop  of  Sydney,  and  other  dis- 
tinguished Antiquarians.  Coloured  Plates.  Crown  4to, 
half-bound  Roxburgh.  Vol.  L,  comprising  the  Counties 
of  Antrim,  Armagh,  Carlow,  Cavan,  Clare,  Cork, 
Derry,    Donegal,    Down,    Dublin,   £i   is. ;    Vol    IL, 


30      BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED. 

comprising  the  City  and  County  of  Dublin,  Counties 

Fermanagh,  Galway,  Kerry,  Kildare,  and  Kilkenny, 

£i  IS. 

A  History  of  the  Abbeys,  Priories,  and  other  ReUgious 
Houses  in  Ireland,  interspersed  with  Memoirs  of  their  several 
Founders  and  Benefactors,  and  of  the  Abbots  and  other 
Superiors,  to  the  time  of  their  final  suppression.  Likewise 
an  account  of  the  manner  in  which  the  possessions  belonging 
to  these  Foundations  were  disposed  of  and  the  present  state 
of  their  ruins,  collected  from  English,  Irish,  and  Foreign 
Historians,  Records,  and  other  authentic  Documents,  and 
from  many  curious  and  valuable  manuscripts,  with  engrav- 
ings in  gold  and  colours  of  the  several  Religious  and  Military 
Orders,  with  Maps  and  Views  illustrating  the  History. 


Qlendalough :    Its     Records,    Ruins,    and 

Romance.     By  the  Rev.  M.   HOG  AN.      Illustrated. 
Crown  8vo,  56  and  vi.  pp.,  6d. 

"  A  very  readable  guide  to  one  of  the  most  famous,  romantic 
and  picturesque  show-spots  in  Ireland." — Irish  Times. 

"  Bright,  instructive  .  .  .  supplies  a  want  long  felt  by  the  tourist 
in  this  country." — Daily  Independent. 


History  of  Irish  Music.    By  WM.  H.  grattan 

FLOOD.     Second  Edition.     Crown  8vo,  353  and  xiii. 
pp.,  cloth,  6s.  net. 

"  This  is  the  first  time  that  the  history  of  Irish  Music  has  been 
written.  .  .  .  His  research  has  been  enormous.  .  .  .  The  music  of  the 
Crusades  was  composed  and  played  by  Irish  musicians  .  .  .  and  it 
is  noteworthy  that  the  first  organ-builder  in  England,  of  which  there 
is  any  record,  was  an  Irishman.  He  writes  his  descriptions  in  a 
style  that  holds  the  attention  of  the  reader." — Freeman's  Journal. 

"  Mr.  Grattan  Flood  deserves  all  praise  for  his  compact  history 
of  Irish  music,  the  outcome  of  twenty-six  years  of  research." — 
Daily  Mail. 

"  The  author  deserves  the  thanks  of  all  lovers  of  Irish  music 
lor  his  in-^-aluaWe  book." — Irish  Ecclesiastical  Record. 


BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED.        31 

"  A  very  interesting  history." — Musical  World. 

"  A  useful  compilation  of  facts  and  dates." — Musical  Times. 

"  Mr.  Flood  has  rendered  a  service  to  musical  students,  by 
writing  a  history  of  Irish  music,  which  presents  in  a  compact  form 
all  the  facts  and  theories  accumulated  by  earlier  writers,  together 
with  a  large  amount  of  original  information.  Practically  every 
aspect  of  musical  history  and  tradition  in  Ireland  is  dealt  with, 
and  Mr.  Flood  may  be  congratulated  upon  having  prepared  a 
perfect  quarry  of  novel  and  useful  suggestions.  .  .  .  We  heartily 
commend  the  book  to  the  notice  of  librarians." — Library  World. 


How  to  Reason  :  or,  The  A  B  C  of  Logic 

Reduced  to  Practice,  in  analyzing  Essays,  Speeches, 
Books.  With  an  Appendix  on  Fallacies  and  Defini- 
tion.     By    the    Rev.   RICHARD    C.    BODKIN,    CM. 

Third  Edition,  Enlarged  and  Re-arranged.  232  and 
xvi.  pp.,  cloth,  IS.  6d.  net ;  paper,  is.  net. 

"  Your  work  ought  to  be  widely  read.  It  would  be  very  useful 
to  many  who  think  they  are  clear  thinkers,  and  have  no  knowledge 
of  the  extent  to  which  they  are  deceived.  I  shall  recommend 
your  book  to  my  friends,  and  hope  it  will  have  a  wide  circulation." 
— Rev.  Edwin  Abbot  (formerly  Head  Master  of  the  City  of 
London  Schools). 

"  This  is  an  excellent  treatise  on  logic,  and  is  worked  out  on  an 
original  basis.  This  logic  may  be  called  logic  for  the  masses,  it  is 
so  simple,  so  easy,  so  concise,  that  the  ordinary  reader  of  no  un- 
common ability  can  master  it  without  difficulty,- and  without  the 
help  of  a  teacher  ...  is  an  admirable  treatise  for  those  for  whom 
it  is  intended,  '  that  numerous  class  of  people  who  feel  keenly 
that  they  labour  under  great  disadvantages  from  not  having  made 
a  proper  study  of  logic,  and  who  have  now  but  little  time  at  their 
disposal  to  remedy  this  defect.'  " — Freeman's  Journal. 

r*"  This  is  a  book  that  snould  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  every 
intelligent  youth,  every  thinking  man  or  woman  throughout  the 
kingdom.  Anyone  ambitious  of  thinking,  speaking,  or  listening 
correctly,  should  read  and  study  this  unpretentious  little  book." — 
Newsagent  and  Bookseller. 

"  Some  knowledge  of  logic  is  almost  indispensable  to  anyone 
wishing   to   take   part  in   public  debate  or  newspaper  discussion. 


32       BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED. 


and  to  such  this  little  volume  can  be  warmly  recommended  both 
for  its  simplicity  and  scope.  It  is  especially  adapted  for  the  use 
of  self-educating  students,  its  wealth  of  examples  and  exercises 
supplying  just  the  needs  which  learners  feel  most." — Young  Oxford. 

"  Mr.  Bodkin  has  put  together  a  useful  little  book  on  the  ABC 
of  Logic.  He  has  been  careful  to  leave  out  a  great  deal  of  the 
jargon  with  which  the  subject  is  overloaded.  His  chief  anxiety 
is  to  teach  his  readers  how  to  apply  what  they  have  learnt.  .  .  . 
The  last  chapter  on  the  making  of  abstracts,  deals  with  a  subject 
which  would  repay  practice  in  many  schools,  and  lead  to  the  dis- 
tinct improvement  of  that  too  often  amorphous  and  invertebrate 
creation,  the  schoolboy's  essay."— Saturday  Review. 

"  The  exposition  which  it  contains  of  the  rudiments  of  '  the 
science  of  proof  '  is  clear  and  simple.  The  book  may  be  com- 
mended to  the  notice  alike  of  teachers  and  students  desirous  of 
pursuing  the  subject  unaided." — Liverpool  Courier. 


Ireland :      Industrial     and     Agricultural. 

Edited  by  WM.  P.  COYNE,  M.A.,  LL.D.  Richly  lUus- 
trated  with  upwards  of  lOO  Plates,  Maps,  and  Dia- 
grams. Super  royal  8vo,  532  and  xvi.  pp.,  cloth 
extra,  5s.  net ;  half-bound  extra,  for  presentation, 
8s.  6d.  net  ;  by  post,  yd.  extra. 

"  It  constitutes  by  far  the  best  account  of  the  industrial  resources 
of  Ireland  which  has  appeared  since  Sir  Robert  Kane's  valuable 
work  on  the  subject  was  published  more  than  half  a  century  back. 
As  a  survey  of  the  existing  situation  and  immediate  prospects  of 
the  country,  it  will  possess  almost  as  much  value  for  the  student 
half-a-century  hence,  as  is  possessed  by  that  useful  and  insuffi- 
ciently known  work,  Wakefield's  Account  of  Ireland,  Political  and 
Statistical,  in  relation  to  the  condition  of  the  country  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  nineteenth  century." — Edinburgh  Review. 

"  To  even  enumerate  the  contents  of  the  book  would  make  big 
demands  upon  newspaper  space,  but  it  may  be  commended  to  all 
students  of  political  and  social  economics  as  the  most  informing 
and  impartial  compendium  of  Irish  affairs  that  has  ever  been 
published." — Bristol  Daily  Mercury. 

"  It  will  prove  welcome  and  heartsome  reading  to  everyone 
solicitous  for  Ireland's  economic  welfare." — Scotsman. 


BRO\^^E  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED.       33 


"  Down  to  the  paper  on  which  it  is  printed — '  a  specially  made 
Irish  paper,' — it  is  a  production  of  the  green  island." — Aberdeen 
Free  Press. 

"  The  work  is  full  of  valuable  and  authoritative  information." — 
Observer. 

"  Altogether  the  book  is  an  exceedingly  creditable  production."^ 
— Dundee  Courier. 

"  An  admirable  volume.  ' — Star. 

"  Should  be  in  the  hands  of  all  students  of  the  Irish  problem." — 
Yorkshire  Post. 

"  The  various  essays  are  masterly,  and  cover  the  whole  rang" 
of  Hibernian  activity.  There  is  an  intense  desire  in  this  country 
that  immediate  steps  be  taken  to  place  Ireland  upon  a  prosperous 
basis.     Now,  at  last,  we  have  the  facts." — Daily  News. 

"...  Handsome  and  interesting  volume." — Glasgow  Herald. 

"  Comes  with  a  pleasant  sensation  of  surprise." — Investor's- 
Review. 

"  The  title  scarcely  expresses  the  encyclopaedic  range  of  this 
useful  and  suggestive  volume. 

"  It  aims  at  giving  a  strictly  unbiassed  and  non-political  account 
of  the  economic  and  industrial  condition  of  Ireland.  Its  success 
is,  I  think,  so  complete,  that  the  work  is  likely  to  prove  for  some 
time  of  the  highest  value." — Westminster  Gazette. 

"  All  well-wishers  of  Ireland  will  welcome  the  publication  of  this 
excellent  and  comprehensive  work." — Sheffield  Daily  Telegraph. 

"  No  ordinary  Blue  Book.  It  is  an  attractive  volume,  and  well 
and  profusely  illustrated.  It  is  a  complete  picture,  minute  and 
faithful  as  a  photograph,  which  throws  astonishing  light  on  Irish 
politics." — Liverpool  Post. 

"...  Can  be  strongly  recommended  to  all  who  wish  to  under- 
stand the  condition  of  Ireland,  and  the  causes  of  the  unrest,  misery, 
and  discontent  from  which  she  sufiers." — The  Statist. 

"  The  value  of  the  work  cannot  be  over-estimated.  The  illus 
trations,  maps,  and  diagrams,  are  first  class.  Printed  on  specially 
made  Irish  paper  in  Dublin,  the  book  would  be  a  credit  to  any 
of  our  leading  London  publisters." — Westminster  Review. 

C 


34        BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED. 

Irish  Land  Act,  IQO3.  Full  Explanation  of  each 
Section,  full  Text  of  the  Act,  Tables,  Rules  and  Forms 
and  complete   Index.     By  CHARLES  M.  RUSSELL, 

B.A.,  Sohcitor,      Demy  8vo,  172  and  vi.  pp.,  2s.  6d, 
net. 

Irish      Sanitary     Law.        By    charles     L. 

BIRMINGHAM,  M.D.,  D.P.H.,  &c.     Demy  8vo,  189 
and  viii.  pp.,  5s.  net. 

"  To  local  authorities  generally,  it  is  bound  to  be  an  almost 
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force  for  the  safe-guarding  of  the  public  health  are  brought  within 
a  brief  compass.  A  copious  and  well-arranged  index  is  an  admir- 
able feature  of  the  volume,  which  is  produced  in  a  clean  and  durable 
form  at  the  price  of  Ss." — Daily  Independent. 

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long  recognized  by  those  who  have  to  deal  with  the  administration 
of  the  Public  Health  Acts  in  Ireland;  it  will  be  of  special  value 
also  to  those  reading  for  the  Public  Health  diplomas  conferred 
by  the  Universities  and  the  Royal  Colleges  of  Physicians  and 
Surgeons  in  Ireland." — British  Medical  Journal. 

Killarney.  A  Guide  Book  to  Killarney's  Lakes  and 
Fells.     Fcap.  8vo,  46  and  v.  pp.,  3d.  net. 

"  Written  in  a  style  which  is  certain  to  arouse  in  the  reader  a 
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appropriately  bound  in  green.  There  are  guide  books  in  plenty 
to  '  Killarney's  lakes  and  fells,'  but  we  venture  to  thmk  this  one 
will  be  greatly  appreciated  by  travellers  and  tourists  on  account 
of  its  many  features  of  superior  excellence." — Daily  Independent. 

Lucania :     Topographical,     Biographical, 

Historical.     By  the  Rev.  W.  S.  DON  EG  AN.     Crown 

8vo,  126  pp.,  IS.  6d. 

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pensable to  the  visitor  to  Lucan  who  desires  to  know  what  to  see 
there.  .  •  ." — Freeman's  Journal. 


BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED.        35 

Palmerin  of  England.  Some  Remarks  on  the 
Romance,  and  on  the  Controversy  concerning  its 
authorship.  By  WM.  EDWARD  PURSER.  Crown 
8vo,  466  and  x.  pp.,  cloth,  los.  6d.  net. 


Pre-Christian    Ireland.       By   the    late    Canon 

ULICK  J.  BOURKE,  M.R.I.A.,  P.P.      With  Illustra- 

tions.      Crown  8vo,  half-bound  Roxburgh,  gilt  top, 

2s,  6d.  net 

"...  An  interesting  work.  .  .  .  Irish  scholars  have  welcomed  it 
as  a  valuable  addition  to  Celtic  literature.  The  book  is  admirably 
brought  out.  .  .  ." — Ave  Maria. 

"  The  late  Canon  was  of  a  poetical  turn  of  thought,  at  the  same 
time  that  he  was  an  industrious  chronicler.  His  book  is  a  literary 
treat.  It  is  racy,  it  is  graphic,  but  it  is  real.  The  dry  bones  of 
the  past  seem  to  live.  .  .  ." — Book  News. 


St.   Brendan,  The  Voyager,  in  Story  and 

Legend.     By  the  Rev.  DENIS  O'DONOGHUE,   P.P., 

Ardfert.     With  Illustrations.     New  Edition.     Crown 
8vo,  400  and  xxii.  pp.,  cloth,  5s.  net. 

"  It  must  always  remain  a  matter  of  surprise  that  the  Brendan 
legend,  with  its  picturesque  details,  has  not  taken  a  more  definite 
place  in  EngUsh  literature.  For  it  has  about  it  the  same  flavour 
of  romance  and  daring  upon  the  high  seas  which  lends  so  deep  a 
fascination  to  the  stories  of  EUzabeth's  great  captains.  ...  It  is 
...  no  small  wonder  that  the  deeds  of  Brendan,  the  greatly  daring, 
the  man  of  unquailing  faith,  should  echo  and  re-echo,  amplified 
and  glorified,  through  the  centuries." — Hesketh  Pritchard,  in  the 
Spectator. 

"...  One  of  the  most  interesting  chapters  in  the  book  is  that 
devoted  to  the  vestiges  of  pre-historic  Irish  settlements  and  missions 
in  North  America  before  the  tenth  century.  Father  O'Donoghue 
has    gathered    everything    that    throws    light    on    this    lascinating 


36        BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED. 


subject  from  all  available  sources,  including  extracts  from  Ice- 
landic Sagas,  and  from  accounts  and  theories  regarding  the  Mexicaa 
Messias." — Freeman's  Journal. 

"  Here  is  a  volume  which,  while  investing  Ireland  with  her  proper 
halo  of  romance  and  piety,  connects  her  with  the  new  land  in  which 
in  these  modern  days  her  sons  have  found  homes,  and  shows  that 
other  Irishmen  beheld  its  coasts  and  ascended  its  rivers  a  thousand 
years  before  the  intrepid  Genoese  dared  the  Atlantic.  Is  not  this, 
the  book  to  give  to  the  Irish- American  youth,  that  his  mind  may 
hold,  linked  in  remembrance,  the  land  of  his  birth  and  the  wand  of 
his  fathers  ?  " — Boston  Pilot. 


Shooting:   and   Angling    Laws    and    Acts 

(Ireland).      Compiled    by    JOHN   F.   O'NEILL,  M.A. 
Demy  32mo.     6d. 

Sketches  from  the  Carte  Papers    including 

several  unpublished  letters  of  Oliver  Cromwell.      By 
THOMAS  ARNOLD,  M.A.,  F.R.U.L     6d. 


Spicilegium  Ossoriense.  Being  a  Collection  of 
Original  Letters  and  Papers  illustrative  of  the  History 
of  the  Irish  Church  from  the  Reformation  to  the 
year  1800.     By  His  Eminence  CARDINAL  MORAN^ 

Archbishop    of    Sydney.     Three    Vols.     Crown    4to, 
half- bound  Roxburgh,  £1  i6s. 

Sprigs     of      Shamrock,    or,    Irish    Sketches    and 

Legends,  by  MAUD  MARY  RUSSELL.     Crown  8vo, 

134  pp.,  6d.  net. 

"The  little  book  shows  how  full  of  charm  and  fascmation  the 
holiday  resorts  of  Ireland  really  are." — Lady's  Pictorial. 


BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED.        37 


Stories  from   Irish  History :  Told  for  Children. 

By    Mrs.    STEPHEN    GWYNN.     With    Pictures    by 

George  Morrow  and  Arthur  Donnelly.     162  and 

vi.   pp.,   cloth,   2s.     A  Cheap   Edition  for  National 

Schools  is  published  at  yd.  net. 

"  The  child  that  has  mastered  it  will  have  laid  the  foundation  of 
an  intelligent  knowledge  of  Irish  History." — Irish  Ecclesiastical 
Record. 

"  Mrs.  Gwynn's  book  is  engagingly  simple,  hence  just  suitable 
for  little  tolk."— Leader. 

"  No  more  interesting  or  gracefully  written  story  book  for  Irish 
children  has  been  issued  for  a  long  time." — Freeman's  Journal. 

"  Just  what  we  needed." — Cross. 

"The  best   book   of   the   ki^^  c^i?temporary  history.     Is  simply 

fN^w  Yor^r"-?  P-^^°"  and  tumult  of  the  d^^r." -Tablet. 

Studies  edica!    Profession.       By  M.  foster 

'•  CroNEY,  M.B.  (Lond.i,  M.R.C.S.,    L.R.C.P.,   D.P.E. 

"  Chid.),  I.M.S.    The  Carmichael  Prize  Essay  for  1904, 

"  Sany  8vo,  128  and  xii.  pp.    Cloth,  3s.  net. 

and 

byir  the  Cedars  and  the  Stars.    By  Very 

R.ev.  P.  A.  CANON   SHEEHAN,  D.D.,  author  of  "My 
p,\e\v   Curate,"    "  Luke    Deimege,"    &c.     Crown    8vo, 

"  Tt379  3^^<^1  ^^^'  PP-'  cloth,  5s.  net. 
finestA  work  imaginative  and  reflective,  touching  upon  many  sub- 
mult^  which  suggest  themselves  to  a  contemplative,  religious,  and 
govel-stored  mind." — Times. 
vine 

rear '  They  are  the  reflections  of  a  fertile  and  scholarly  thinker,  and 
It  iach  a  variety  of  topics,  religious,  philosophical,  historical,  critical. 

atobiographical,    just    as    they   rose    to    the   writer's    mmd.     The 
.urrangement  of  the  book  in  short,  numbered  paragraphs,  with  side 

leadings,  and  the  excellent  type  are  in  themselves  an  invitation  to 


38        BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED. 

upon  '  Cromwell  in  Ireland,'  covered  Ireland  with  ruins  ;  it  ends, 
not  with  any  great  events,  heroic  even  if  tragical,  but  with  the 
subsidence  of  the  country  into  an  apathy  of  misery  and  despair, 
so  terrible  in  its  economic  effects  alone  that  Dean  Swift  wrote  of 
the  Ireland  of  his  day,  '  Whoever  travelled  through  country  dis- 
tricts and  observed  the  habitations  and  aspect  of  the  people  could 
hardly  believe  himself  in  a  land  where  the  Christian  reUgion  was 
professed.'  " — Hugh  Law,  M.P.,  in  Daily  News. 

"  The  volume  opens  with  an  address  from  no  less  a  personage 
than  Sir  William  Butler,  whose  pen  is  as  good  as  his  sword.  There 
is  no  better  writer  in  the  British  Army." — Athencenm. 

Some  Personal  Recollections  of   the   Re- 
bellion of  1837  in  Canada.    By  SYDNEY  BELLING- 

HAM.     Demy  8vo,  26  pp.     3d. 

Demy  32mo,     6d.  ~     G.  W    H.  H.   Fcap. 


Sketches  from  the  Carte  Papers   ?nt 'areas  In 

several  unpublished  letters  of  Oliver  Cromw^^^J^^g^^^^^^^ 
THOMAS  ARNOLD,  M.A.,  F.R.U.I.     6d.         sherm\n  In 


Spicilegium  Ossoriense.     Being  a  Coiiect^^?^^  °^ 

Original  Letters  and  Papers  illustrative  of  the  H 
of  the   Irish   Church   from   the   Reformation   tc 
year  1800.     By  His  Eminence  CARDINAL  MOp^^"^' 
Archbishop    of    Sydney.     Three    Vols.    Crown 
half-bound  Roxburgh,  £1  i6s.  ^  ^^^ 

land 

Sprigs     of      Shamrock,    or,    Irish    Sketches    ar^j^^ 

Legends,  by  MAUD  MARY  RUSSELL.     Crown  Bvc^^^ 

134  pp.,  6d.  net, 

"The  little  book  shows  how  full  of  char;ii  and  fdscmation  the 
holiday  resorts  of  Ireland  really  are." — Lady's  PictoriaL 


BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED.        39 
The  Life  of  Frederick  Lucas,  M.P.     By  hi 

Brother,  EDWARD  LUCAS.     Second  Edition.     Two 

Vols.     Post  8vo,  8s. 

"  Frederick  Lucas,  who  died  more  than  thirty  years  ago,  was  a 
remarkable  man,  who,  in  his  short  life  of  forty-four  years,  not  only 
showed  great  promise,  but  realized  it.  The  history  of  his  life  is 
relieved  by  the  frequent  illustrations  that  Mr.  Edward  Lucas's 
narrative  affords  of  the  relations,  not  only  of  O'Connell  and  the 
Young  Ireland  Party,  and  of  the  leading  English  Catholics,  but 
also  of  Peel,  Palmerston,  Russell,  Disraeli,  and  many  other  states- 
men, with  the  great  struggle  that  was  going  on  half  a  century  ago." 
— Athentsum. 

"  Much  of  what  Lucas  planned  and  strove  to  win  for'us,  is  ours 
to-day  ;  the  rest  lies  almost  within  our  grasp  ;  and  our  triumphs 
and  our  hopes  are.  the  noblest  vindication  of  Frederick  Lucas's 
policy." — Nation. 

"  Reads,  every  line  of  it,  like  contemporary  history.  Is  simply 
alive  with  all  the  passion  and  tumult  of  the  hour." — Tablet. 

The    Medica!    Profession.       By  M.   foster 

REANEY,  M.B.  (Lond.i,  M.R.C.S.,  L.R.C.P.,  D.P.E. 
(Lond.),  I.M.S.  The  Carmichael  Prize  Essay  for  1904. 
Dv.'niy  Svo,  128  and  xii.  pp.     Cloth,  3s.  net. 

Under  the  Cedars  and  the  Stars.    By  very 

Rev.  P.  A.  CANON   SHEEHAN,  D.D.,  author  of  "My 

New   Curate,"    "  Luke    Delmege,"    &c.     Crown   8vo, 

379  and  xii.  pp.,  cloth,  5s.  net. 

"  A  work  imaginative  and  reflective,  touching  upon  many  sub- 
jects which  suggest  themselves  to  a  contemplative,  religious,  and 
well-stored  mind." — Times. 

"  They  are  the  reflections  of  a  fertile  and  scholarly  thinker,  and 
touch  a  variety  of  topics,  religious,  philosophical,  historical,  critical, 
autobiographical,  just  as  they  rose  to  the  writer's  mind.  The 
arrangement  of  the  book  in  short,  numbered  paragraphs,  with  side 
headings,  and  the  excellent  tj'pe  are  in  themselves  an  invitation  to 


40       BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED 


read.  .  .  .  We  confess  that  a  great  deal  of  pleasure  and  profit  may 
be  derived  from  casual  dippings  into  his  suggestive  and  stimulating 
volume." — Daily  Express. 

"...  His  views  are  lucid  and  interesting,  his  point  of  view  as 
personal  as  Thoreau's,  and  the  frequent  little  impressionistic 
pictures  he  gives  of  his  surroundings  have  the  flavour  of  real 
literature." — To-Day. 

"...  To  a  certain  number  of  minds  this  book,  even  more  than 
the  novels,  will  come  with  a  personal  and  intimate  appeal.  The 
descriptions  of  nature,  the  criticism  of  great  poets,  the  incidents 
and  selections  and  quotations,  thrown  in  as  if  from  a  note  book 
are  all  combined  into  just  that  kind  of  meditation  which  is  wel- 
come because  it  starts  trains  of  thought  not  easily  answered.  And 
the  whole  is  presented  in  that  simple  and  pure  and  beautiful  English 
oi  which  Father  Sheehan  has  already  shown  himself  to  be  a  master." 
—Daily  News. 

"  Much  as  we  admired  and  approved  Luke  Delmege  and  My 
New  Curate,  we  feel  that  Father  Sheehan's  truer  metier  is  the 
writing  of  such  books  as  this.  Under  the  Cedars  and  the  Stars  is 
not  a  volume  which  one  reads  and  then  throws  away  on  a  book- 
shelf, retaining  only  the  recollection  that  it  is  '  interesting  ;  '  it  is 
rather  of  the  kind  which  remains  to  one  as  an  abiding  joy,  a  good 
book  for  the  bedside  shelf,  and  one  to  be  taken  down  at  any  time 
and  opened  at  any  page,  for  there  is  not  a  leaf  in  the  volume  which 
does  not  contain  something  appealing,  some  touch  of  observation 
of  nature,  some  illuminative  comment  on  the  smaller  or  greater 
facts  of  life,  or  some  nice  appreciation  of  old  friends  in  literature 
or  history." — Cork  Constitution. 

All   l^eAtDAtttAnn*      The  Journal  of  CumAtin   im 
teAbAjAlAnn.      Issued  periodically.     6s. 

beAHC  tlOCAl*     'Ol^AmA  Suilc.     tYlAitte  Hi  Site 

(t)ul    Amu)    Ajuf    eitir  tiT    rhuttCAt)A     no     cum. 
6d.  net. 


!4  &  25  Nassau-street,  Dublin, 
Summer,  1906. 


Reliaious  Works 

PUBLISHED  BY 

BROWNE   &  NOLAN,   LIMITED. 


Books  for  Priests— Sermons— Sacred 
Scripture, 

The  Gospels  of  the  Sundays  and  Festivals. 

With  an  Introduction,  Parallel  Passages,  Notes,  and 
Moral  Reflections.  By  the  Very  Rev.  C.  J.  Canon  RYAN, 
late  Professor  of  Sacred  Scripture  and  Hebrew,  Holy 
Cross  College,  Clonliffe.  With  Maps  and  Index. 
Second  Edition.  Two  Vols.,  demy  8vo.  Vol.  I.,  334 
and  Ixiv.  pp.,  and  Vol.  II.,  396  and  vi.  pp.  Cloth, 
I2s.  6d.  net. 

"  It  seems  to  me  to  be  far  and  away  the  most  learned  and  most 
practical  Commentary  on  the  Gospels  of  the  Sundays  that  has  yet 
appeared.  .  .  ." — His  Eminence  Cardinal  Moras,  Archbishop  of 
Sydney, 

"  Father  Ryan  has  in  this  volume  supplied  a  work  which  will  be 
much  appreciated  by  clergy  on  the  mission.  .  .  .  The  treatment 
of  the  subject  is,  it  will  be  seen,  thorough,  and  the  priest 
who  is  called  upon  Sunday  after  Sunday  to  preach  from  the 
Gospel  of  the  day,  cannot  find  a  work  better  suited  to  the 
purpose  of  affording  suggestion  and  guidance.  Some  of  the  most 
difficult  questions  in  theology  are  handled  by  the  author.  In  all 
cases  his  views  are  sound  ;  and  he  shows  that  his  knowledge  of  the 


42        BROVV^E  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED. 


prodnctions  of  commentators,  ancient  and  modern,  is  extensive. 
The  book  is  one  wliich  should  hcve  a  large  circulation." — Catholic 
Times. 

"...  Father  Ryan  has  neglected  nothing  that  could 
enhance  the  value  of  his  work,  every  available  source  of  informa- 
tion has  been  consulted,  and  the  results  of  his  wide  reading  are 
given  so  concisely  that  it  is  a  pleasure  to  read  his  book.  We 
heartily  recommend  it,  and  we  trust  that  its  circulation  may 
correspond  to  its  merit." — Irish  Ecclesiastical  Record. 

"  There  is  much  in  this  work  which  will  be  read  with  interest 
and  profit  by  Protestants,  as  well  as  by  Roman  Catholics.  .  .  . 
Professor  Ryan,  before  undertaking  so  great  a  work,  qualified 
himself  by  a  very  extensive  course  of  reading,  which  he  indicates 
in  outline.  .  .  .  The  result  is  apparent  in  every  page  of  his  work. 
Whilst  always  loyal  to  the  teaching  of  his  own  Church,  both  in 
the  spirit  and  in  the  letter,  he  embodies  in  his  comments  the  best 
results  of  the  studies  and  researches  of  the  theologians  of  other 
communions.  His  style,  too,  is  marked  bv  perspicacity  and 
definiteness.  .  .  ." — Irish  Times. 

"  In  this  work  the  sometime  Professor  of  Sacred  Scripture  and 
Hebrew  in  Holy  Cross  College,  Clonliffe,  has  set  his  hand  to  a 
task  of  real  helpfulness.  .  .  .  Father  Ryan  has  done  his  work  with 
a  thoroughness  that  is  characteristic  of  the  Roman  Catholic 
Professor  of  Theology.  .  .  ." — Academy  and  Literature. 

"  We  trust  that  these  two  most  readably  printed  and  convenient 
volumes  will  find  their  way  at  once  into  a  very  great  many  pres- 
byteries in  Ireland,  and  in  other  English-speaking  countries.  They 
will,  please  God,  help  many  a  hard-worked  priest  to  expound  the 
Sunday  Gospel  to  his  people  in  a  solid  and  interesting  manner. 
We  know  of  no  other  work  of  the  kind  that  furnishes  all  the  aid 
that  can  at  once  be  found  in  these  well-planned  and  well-filled 
pages.  .  .  .  " — Irish  Monthly. 

"  This  work  ought  to  be  of  considerable  help  to  Roman  Catholic 
clergy  ;  and  there  is  a  great  deal  in  it  that  our  own  clergy  will 
find  useful.  .    .    .    " — Gviardian. 

"  The  Gospels  read  on  the  Sundays  and  festivals  of  the  year  are 
familiar  to  most  of  us.  Any  book  which  tends  to  their  fuller 
apprehension,  or  which  throws  new  light  over  them,  ought  to  be 
hailed  with  joy.  To  the  priest  especially  whose  life  is  passed  in 
pastoral  work,  and  who  has  not  much  time  either  for  consulting 
authorities  or  solving  knotty  points,  a  volume  which  gives  him  all 
the  latest  explanations,  and  which  treats  of  the  Gospels  he  has  so 
often  to  expound  from  a  thoroughly  patristic  standpoint,  will  ever 
be  welcome.  Such  are  the  two  volumes  before  us.  In  them  we 
have  a  work  of  the  most  solid  and  painstaking  character,  and  one 


BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED.        43 


which  shows  extensive  reading  and  sound  judgment.  No  point, 
as  far  as  we  can  see,  has  been  passed  over  ;  and  where  there  are 
difficulties  they  have  been  faced,  and  the  explanation  which  seems 
most  in  harmony  with  modern  criticism  and  sound  Catholic 
exegesis  has  been  chosen.    .   .  .  " — Tablet. 

[Sixteen-page  pamphlet  of  Approbations  from  Cardinals,  Arch- 
bishops, Bishops,  Professors  of  home  and  foreign  Ecclesiastical  Colleges, 
and  the  Catholic  and  non-Catholic  Press  sent  post  free  on  application.}. 


The   Gospel    of  St.    John.      With    Notes,  Critical 

and   Explanatory.     By  the  Rev.  JOSEPH  McRORY, 

D.D.,    Professor  of    Sacred    Scripture   and  Oriental 

Languages,  Maynooth  College.     Demy  8vo,  386  and 

iv.    pp.,  cloth,  7s.  6d. 

"  Its  merits  as  an  exposition  of  this  sublime  Gospel,  apart  alto- 
gether from  the  object  for  which  it  is  written,  far  more  than  justify 
its  appearance,  and  afford  splendid  promise  that  when  the  author 
has  finished  the  task  he  has  undertaken,  he  will  have  permanently 
enriched  bibhcal  literature,  and  conferred  an  inestimable  boon 
...  on  all  students  of  the  New  Testament  who  understand  the 
English  language." — Irish  Ecclesiastical  Record. 

"  The  author  is  lucid  in  his  language,  his  authorities  are  well 
chosen,  and  his  explanations  sound  and  plain." — Catholic  Times. 

"  A  text-book  of  more  worth  than  a  whole  library  of  critical 
science." — Nation. 


Programmes  of  Sermons  and  Instructions. 

Comprising  (according  to  the  course  laid  down  by 
the  Catechism  of  the  Council  of  Trent),  The  Apostles' 
Creed ;  The  Commandments  of  God,  and  Precepts 
of  the  Church  ;  Prayer  and  the  Sacraments  ;  as  also 
an  Exposition  of  Christian  Doctrine.  By  the  Rev. 
THOS.  MacNAMARA,  CM.  Fifth  Edition.  Crown 
8vo,  656  and  xliv.  pp.,  cloth,  8s. 

This   work,  since   the   publication  of   the  recentjEncyclical  "  De 
Christiana  Doctrina  Tradenda,"  has  become  of  special  value  to  the 


44        BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED. 


clergy,  being  based  upon  the  actual  course  of  the  Catechism  of  the 
Council  of  Trent,  which  has  been  prescribed  by  that  Encychcal  as 
that  to  be  followed  in  the  Catechetical  instructions. 

"  It  is  the  best  work  ever  published  in  the  English  language  for 
priests,  young  and  old,  to  aid  them  in  preparing  solid  instructions 
for  their  flocks." — The  late  Most  Rev.  Dr.  M'Gettigan,  Primate  of 
all  Ireland. 


Allocutions ;     or,     Short     Addresses     on 

Liturgical  Observations  and  Ritual  Functions.  With 
Appendices  on  Parochial  Organizations,  Christian 
Doctrine  Confraternities,  Lending  Libraries,  The 
Sodality  of  the  Living  Rosary,  Ladies'  Associations 
of  Charity,  Purgatorian  Societies,  Mutual  Benefit 
Societies,  &c.,  &c.  By  the  Rev.  THOS.  MacNAMARA, 
CM.     Second  Edition.     Crown  8vo,  cloth,  5s. 

"  This  handy  volume  is  Ukely  to  prove  a  great  boon  to  hard- 
worked  priests.  .  .  .  These  '  Five-minute  Sermons  '  as  the  Americans 
call  them,  are  written  with  great  unction,  and  evidence  a  careful 
study  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  and  of  the  Fathers  of  the  Church. 
Very  little  time  and  trouble  will  be  necessary  in  expanding  them  to 
the  length  required  for  a  regular  sermon." — Month. 

5acred  Rhetoric  ;  Or,  the  Art  of  Rhetoric  as  applied 
to  the  Preaching  of  the  Word  of  God.  Illustrated. 
By  the  Rev.  THOS.  MacNAMARA,  CM.  Cro\vn  8vo, 
cloth.  4s. 

The   Ceremonies    of    some    Ecclesiastical 

Functions.    By  the  Rev.  DANIEL  O'LOAN,  D.D.,late 

Dean,  Maynooth  College.  Third  Edition  Demy  8vo, 
336  and  viii.  pp.,  cloth.  6s. 

Short  Contents  :    The  Ceremonies  of    Solemn    Mass. — 
The   Blessing    of  Holy  Water  and    the    Asperges. — Solemn 


BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED.        45 


Vespers. — Compline. — Solemn   Requiem  Office   and   Mass. — 
Solemn  Mass  and  Solemn  Vespers  in  presence  of  the  Blessed 
Sacrament    Exposed. — The    Ceremonies    of    Certain    Special 
Days. — The  Feast    of    the  Purification. — Ash   Wednesday.— 
Passion   Time. — Palm    Sunday. — '  Tenebrae.' — Holy    Thurs- 
day.— Good   Friday. — Holy    Saturday. — Directions    for   the 
Assistant  at  a  Bishop's  Private  Mass. 
"A work  which   will  be  simply  indispensable  in   the  library  of 
every  ecclesiastic.   .   .   .  The  subjects  dealt  with  are   treated  in   a 
luminous,   exhaustive  manner,   and  we   have  no  doubt   the  book 
will  become  for  English  readers  the  standard  reference  book  on  the 
matter." — Freeman's  Jottrnal. 

"  This  addition  to  the  store  of  liturgical  works  in  English  merits- 
more  than  a  passing  commendation.  .  .  .  Additional  value  and  a 
character  of  distinctness  are  given  to  this  ceremonial  by  the  in- 
structive notes  and  remarks  of  the  learned  author.  .  .  .  The 
instructions  are  complete  and  detailed.  .  .  ." — Ave  Maria. 

"  This  is  an  excellent  Ceremonial.  .  .  We  greatly  hke  its  arrange- 
ment. .  .  We  like  it  moreover  for  the  system  of  marginal  notes 
running  all  through  the  work.  .  .  The  book  is  in  every  way  a  credit 
to  the  publishers.  .  .  We  wish  it  the  largest  measure  of  success." 
— American  Catholic  Quarterly  Review. 

The    Sacred    Ceremonies    of    Low    Mass, 

According  to  the  Roman  Rite.  From  the  Stereotyped 
Roman  Edition,  by  Felix  Zualdi,  P.C.M.  Edited^ 
with  Additions  and  Notes,  and  harmonized  with  the 
latest  Decrees  by  the  Rev.  M.  O'CALLAGHAN,  a 
Priest  of  the  same  Congregation.  Sixth  Edition, 
Ninth  thousand.  Crown  8vo,  205  and  xviii.  pp., 
2s.  6d 

How  to  Serve  and  Answer  at  Low  Mass. 

By  the  Rev.  M.  O'CALLAGHAN,  CM,     Royal  32mo, 

cloth,  4d. 

The  compiler  has,  amongst  many  authors,  especially 
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servers  at  Mass,  and  to  gather  in  one  little  book  all  that  the- 
server  requires  to  know. 


46        BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED. 


The  Confessor    after    God's  Own   Heart. 

From  the  French  of  the  Third  Edition  of  the  Rev.  Fr. 
L.  J.  M.  CROS,  S.J.  Fcap.  8vo,  284  and  xii.  pp., 
cloth,  3s. 

"  A  useful  little  book,  specially  addressed  to  the  Superiors  of 
Religious  Houses  or  Schools,  and  to  all  confessors.  The  author 
tells  us  that  his  sole  object  is  '  to  place  briefly  before  the  eyes  of 
priests  the  principles  of  Catholic  theology  concerning  the  adminis- 
tration of  the  Sacraments  of  Penance  and  the  Eucharist.'  And 
he  has  very  well  accomplished  his  task.  Particularly  instructive 
is  the  chapter  on  '  The  Choice  of  a  Confessor,'  wherein  the  author 
sh  ows  the  scrupulous  care  of  the  Church  that  the  Faithful — whether 
Religious  or  laity — should  have  all  possible  freedom  in  the  choice 
of  confessors.  The  chief  merit  of  this  Uttle  work  is  that  it  brings 
together  much  scattered  information  for  the  use  of  confessors  and 
others,  upon  a  subject  of  very  practical  interest." — Weekly  Register. 

"  After  a  perusal  of  the  book  we  were  not  surprised  that  two 
editions  have  been  sold,  and  that  it  has  elicited  the  warm  com- 
mendation of  some  of  the  French  bishops." — Irish  Ecclesiastical 
•Record. 

"...  A  lucid  and  fairly  complete  treatise  on  a  matter  of  special 
practical  import  to  all  Catholics,  and  as  such  can  be  warmly  re- 
commended for  general  use." —Lyceum. 


The     Automatic     Parochial     Circulating 

Library.     By  the  Very  Rev.  H.  F.  Canon  GATELY, 

P.P.,  V.F.     Second  Edition,     is. ;  by  post,  is.  id. 

I.  To  construct  and  put  in  action  an  "  Automatic  "  Paro- 
chial Circulating  Library  of  any  required  dimensions  in  his 
parish  or  district,  need  not  cost  a  priest  a  halfpenny. 
Should  he  wish  to  be  generous,  he  can.  2.  To  construct 
it  is  only  a  pleasurable  pastime  for  any  priest  in  his 
leisure  hours.  3.  When  once  constructed  and  set  going 
it  moves  "automatically,"  and  does  its  own  work.  4. 
It  keeps  its  own  accounts  of  books  lent,  and  of  the  names  of 
borrowers,  &c.  The  loans  of  books  are  given  extensively, 
•and  without  any  charge. 


BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED.        47 


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Ex  Statutis  Synodi  Maynidianae  (p.    113): — 

"  Habeant  quoque  librum  Status  Animarum  in  quo  consignentur 
nomina,  cognomina,  aetas,  conditio  incolarum  paroeciae  et  caetera 
quae  notantur  in  Rituali  Romano." 

Register  of  Sick  Calls.  Ruled,  with  printed  heading,  and 
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ASSOCIATION    OF    THE    SACRED  HEART    OF 

JESUS. 

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CROSS. 


BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED.       49 

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D 


50        BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED. 


Philosophical — Theological. 
The  Principles  of  Moral  Science.    By  the  Rev. 

WALTER  Mcdonald,  D.D.,  Prefect  of  the  Dun- 
boyne  Establishment,  St.  Patrick's  College,  Maynooth. 
Demy^Svo,  xii.  and  230  pp.,  cloth,  net  3s.  6d. 

"  On  the  whole  the  book  leaves  on  the  mind  of  a  layman  a  notable 
conviction  of  the  thoroughness  of  the  Scholastic  methods  and  a 
sincere  respect  for  the  pains  and  acumen  brought  by  the  theologian 
to  bear  upon  these  difficult  problems  of  daily  life." — Academy  and 
Literature. 

"  We  congratulate  the  author  on  havmg  produced  a  book  which 
will  have  weight  in  any  future  discussions  of  the  problems  of 
Ethics."— Tablet. 

"  Dr.  McDonald  writes  boldly  and  clearly  when  a  definite  line  is 
to  be  taken,  but  where  there  is  room  for  doubt  or  difference  of 
opinion  he  is  tolerant  and  does  not  hesitate  to  give  expression  to 
his  own  difficulties.  The  treatise  is  one  marked  by  ability  and  a 
spirit  of  thorough  candour." — Catholic  Times. 


Summula  Philosophise  Scholasticse  in  usum 

adolescentium  Seminari  Beatas  Mariae  de  Monte 
Melleario  concinnata.  Demy  8vo.  Vol.  I. — Logica  et 
Ontologia,  404  and  viii.  pp.,  4s.  net.  Vol.  II. — 
Cosmologia  Psychologia,  424  and  vi.  pp.,  4s.  net. 
Vol.  III. — (Pars  Prior)  Theologia  Naturalis,  234  and 
iv.  pp.,  2s.  net. 

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by  no  detraction  from  solidity  and  thoroughness.  .  .  There  will 
hardly  be  found  motives  for  diversity  of  judgment  as  to  the  solidity, 
clarity,  and  general  didactic  utility  of  the  work  in  its  entirety." — 
American  Ecclesiastical  Review. 

"  When  the  author  has  completed  his  work,  he  will  have  written 
a  handbook  of  philosophy  which,  if  we  are  to  judge  from  the  two 
volumes  already  published,   we  candidly  think  it  would   be  liaxd 


BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED.        51 


to  excel.  .  .  The  appearance  of  such  a  text-book  at  the  present 
day  will  give  a  new  impetus  to  the  study  of  Scholastic  Philosophy 
on  modern  scientific  lines." — Irish  Ecclesiastical  Record. 

"  The  scholar  who  has  mastered  the  teaching  contained  in  these 
pages  will  have  advanced  no  little  distance  in  the  path  of  the 
learning  of  the  Schools,  and  will  find  himself  not  meanly  equipped 
for  the  work  of  thinking  out  problems  in  the  proper  way  on  his 
own  account." — Dublin  Review. 

"It  puts  within  moderate  compass  the  sum  total  of  Scholastic 
Philosophy.  ...  It  may  safely  be  said  that  it  is  the  only 
work  of  its  class  that  brings  the  philosophy  of  the  Schools  conveyed 
through  a  Latin  medium  into  so  full  a  relationship  with  the  pertinent 
literature  in  English." — American  Catholic  Quarterly  Review. 


Tractatus  de  Actibus  Humanis.    By  His  Grace 

the  Most  Rev.  Dr.  WALSH,  Archbishop  of  Dublin. 
Second  Edition,  Demy  8vo,  272  and  xii.  pp.» 
wrapper,  5s. 

"Walsh,  G.  J.,  Archiep.,  Dublin,  scripsit  opusculum  'Tractatus 
de  Actibus  Humanis,'  in  quo  acute  profunde  diversas  quaestiones 
pertactat." — Catalogus  Scriptorum  de  theologica  practica  appended 
to  LehmkuhV s  Theologia  Moralis. 

■'It  may  be  truly  said  that  until  the  publication  of  Dr.  Walsh's 
book,  we  have  had  no  treatise  on  the  subject,  which  either  as  a 
class-tract,  or  as  a  manual  of  ready  and  reliable  reference,  could 
be  regarded  as  entirely  satisfactory." — Irish  Ecclesiastical  Record. 


De  Probabilismo,  Dissertatio  quam,  cum  Subjectis 
Thesibus,  ex  Auctoritate  Rectoris  Illmi.  Dionysius 
Gargan,  et  consensus  facultatis  Theologicae  pro 
Gradu  Doctoris  S.  Theologiae  in  Collegio  S.  Patritii, 
Manutiae,  publice  propugnavit  Rev.  DAVID 
DINNEEN,  D.D.,  Presbyter  Dioecesis  Cloynensis. 
De-^y  8vo,  96  pp.,  is.  net. 


52        BROWTSTE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED. 
Quomodo  Fides  Divina   Sit    Lumen?    Dis- 

sertatio.  Rev.  PATRICIUS  SEXTON,  D.D.,  Presbyter 
Dioecesis  Corcagiensis.     Demy  8vo,  i68  pp.,  2s.  net. 

Dissertatio  Historico-Theologica  de  Lapsu 

et  Peccato  Originali  quam  ad  Lauream  consequendam 
in  Collegio  S.  Patricii  apud  Manutiam  scripsit 
ac  cum  subjectis  Thesibus  publice  propugnavit 
Rev.  PATRICIUS  J.  TONER,  D.D.,  Presbyter 
Dioecesis  iVrmacanae.     Demy  8vo,  i66  pp.,  2s.  net. 

Spiritual  Reading-. 

Marias  Corona.     Chapters  on  the  Mother  of  God  and 
her  Saints.     By  the  Very  Rev.  P.  A.  Canon  SHEEHAN, 

D.D.,  Author  of  "  My  New  Curate,"  "  Under  the 
Cedars  and  the  Stars,"  &c.  Crown  8vo,  200  pp., 
cloth,  2s.  6d.  net. 

"  la  Maries  Corona  Dr.  Sheehan  with  a  charming  but  quite 
unnecessary  diffidence  offers  us  a  wealth  of  beautiful  thoughts, 
profound  with  intimate  knowledge  of  the  human  soul.  A  book 
rich  with  the  variety  of  the  heart's  emotions  ;  fecund  with  its 
loftiest  aspirations,  moving  with  its  deepest  feeling,  centred  in 
that  epitome  of  the  beautiful,  our  Lady.  And  this  in  language 
of  perfect  simplicity  and  quiet  charm." — Tablet. 

"  The  book  is  a  powerful  plea  for  devotion  to  our  Lady  and  the 
Saints — a  plea  which  is  free  from  anything  like  exaggeration  and 
which  must  therefore  appeal  not  only  to  the  minds  of  Catholics, 
but  also  to  those  of  Protestants." — Catholic  Times. 

Retreat    to   Serve    as   a   preparation   for 

Death,  Taken  from  the  Last  Words  of  Jesus  Christ, 
from  the  period  of  His  Return  into  Judea  until  His 
Passion.  Translated  from  the  French  of  the  Rev. 
J.  NOUET,  S.J.    2s.  6d. 


BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED.        53 
Meditations  on  the  Life  of  our  Lord,  for  Every 

Day  in  the  Year,  to  which  are  added  Meditations 
for  the  Festivals  of  the  Saints,  by  the  Rev.  J.  NOUET, 
S.J.  Translated  from  the  French,  and  Edited  by  the 
Rev.  Michael  O'Sullivan,  Cork.  Sixth  Editioa 
Two  Vols.  Fcap.  8vo,  cloth,  7s.  6d.  Half  bound, 
red  edges,  los.  net. 

"  Pere  Nouet  ranks  amongst  the  great  masters  of  the  spiritual 
life.  .  .  These  two  volumes  will  be  gratefully  received  by  spiritual 
souls  and  religious  communities.  .  .  The  work  is  all  that  could  be 
wished  for  in  depth  of  sacred  learning  and  unction  of  piety." — 
Tablet. 

A  Retreat  of  Eight  Days  for  Religious.     By 

the  late  Most  Rev.  Dr.  MORIARTY.  Second  Edition. 
Crown  8vo,  116  and  viii.  pp.,  cloth,  2s.  6d. 

"  The  present  little  work  is  entitled  a  '  Retreat  for  ReUgious,' 
but  the  matter  treated  and  the  manner  in  which  it  is  treated  makes 
it  available  and  useful  for  all  classes  of  Christians  who  may  wish 
to  turn  away  for  a  little  time  from  the  thoughts  of  the  world  and 
the  occupations  of  the  present  to  stir  up  their  memories,  or  to 
awaken  their  intelligence  to  the  thoughts  of  heaven  and  the  con- 
cerns of  the  future." — Introduction. 

Little  Books  of  Devotion  : 

LET  us  GO  TO  THE  HOLY  TABLE.  An 

Appeal  to  Christians  of  every  age  and  con- 
dition. By  the  Rev.  J.  M.  Lambert,  of  the 
Congregation  of  the  Most  Holy  Sacrament. 
Translated  from  the  French  by  the  Rev. 
W.  Whitty.  Third  Edition,  revised  and 
enlarged.  Crown  i6mo,  3|in.  by  5in.,  156 
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54        BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED. 


Little  Books  of  Devotion — continued. 

THE    SOUL    OF     JESUS     IN     HIS     PASSION. 

Meditations  translated  from  the  French  of 
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humble  submission  to  the  Will  of  God.  2.  Supreme 
horror  of  Sin.  3.  Immense  love  of  souls.  4.  Tender 
love  of  Jesus  for  His  enemies.  5.  Burning  desire 
for  the  perfection  of  the  Just.  6.  The  final  out- 
burst. 

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Contents  :  The  Immaculate  Conception,  Rev. 
U.  J.  Bourke.  The  Bull  "  Ineffabilis."  The 
Immaculate  Conception,  Rev.  T.  Burke,  O.P. 
The  Immaculate  Conception,  from  Father  Faber. 
Little  Ofhce  of  the  Immaculate  Conception. 
Hymns.  Indulgenced  Invocations  of  Mary 
Immaculate. 

i^  The  three  volumes,  in  limp  leather,   gilt  edges,   in 
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Glory  to  Mary  "  AH  Merciful,"  Our  Lady  of 

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Itahan  of  Father  Roberti,  S.J.  To  which  is  added 
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BROWNE     &     NOLAN,     LIMITED.    55 


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Office  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  and  the  Office 

for  the  Dead,  in  Latin  and  English.  With  a 
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Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  and  a  description  of  the  Rubrics 
to  be  observed  in  reciting  it.  Crown  8vo,  roan 
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The     Little     Office    of     the    Immaculate 

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56        BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED. 

The  Catholic   Prayer   Book   and   Manual 

of  Meditations.  Compiled  by  His  Eminence  Car- 
dinal MOR  AN  Archbishop  of  Sydney.  Cloth,  red 
edges,  IS.  6d.  ;  leather  bindings,  2s.  6d.,  3s.  6d.,  8s.  6d. 

"  We  beg  to  call  the  special  attention  of  our  readers  to  this  beau- 
tiful '  Catholic  Prayer  Book.'  Most  of  the  Manuals  of  Devotion  in 
common  use  are  certainly  very  defective,  and  some  of  them  are 
worse  than  defective — they  contain  prayers  that  are  not  only  un- 
authorized, but  sometimes  theologically  erroneous  or  inexact.  Dr. 
Moran's  great  learning,  both  in  theology  and  liturgy,  and  the 
Imprimatur  of  the  Cardinal  Archbishop  of  Dublin,  furnish  sufficient 
guarantee  that  '  The  Catholic  Prayer  Book  '  is  worthy  of  its  name, 
and  is  in  every  respect  theologically  accurate.  The  compiler  has 
also,  as  might  be  expected,  shown  great  skill  in  the  selection  and 
arrangement  of  the  materials  of  tliis  work,  and,  what  is  not  often 
found  in  prayer  books,  much  literary  taste  in  the  composition  and 
revision." — Irish  Ecclesiastical  Record, 


The  Dominican  Manual  :  A  Selection  of  Prayers 
and  Devotions,  authorized  by  the  Church,  and  enriched 
with  numerous  Indulgences.  New  Edition.  Cloth 
red  edges,  is.  6d. ;  leather  bindings,  3s.  6d.,  5s.,  8s.  6d. 

The   Manual    of  the   Sisters   of   Charity. 

Compiled  by  the  Irish  Sisters  of  Charity.     Post  8vo, 
Ml  bound,  leather,  red  edges,  5s.  6d.  net. 

All  Hallows  Manual.  a  Manual  of  Piety 
adapted  to  the  use  of  the  Students  in  Ecclesiastical 
Seminaries.     Cloth,  red  edges,  2s.  6d.    Calf,  3s.  6d. 

A  Method  of  Hearing  Mass.  (The  York  Manual). 
With  Devotions  applied  to  Holy  Communion.  Royal 
32mo,  cloth,  6d. 


BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED.        57 
The  Christian's  Guide  to  Heaven,    a  Manual 

of  Catholic  Piety.     By  the  Rev.  Wm.  GAHAN,  O.S.A. 

Adapted  to  every  state  of  life,  with  other  excellent 
and  approved  Devotions.  New  Edition.  Cloth,  2S. ; 
paste  grain,  3s.  6d. 

The  Passion   of   Our    Blessed    Lord    and 

Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  according  to  the  Four  Evan- 
gelists, for  Holy  Week.  With  references  by  the  Very 
Rev.  Dean  KINANE,  P.P.  Cap.  8vo,  48  pp.  Paper 
id.,  cloth  2d. 

Epistles  and  Gospels.  Translated  into  Irish  by 
JOHN  C.  WARD,  under  the  revision  of  the  Most  Rev. 
Dr.  O'DoNNELL,  Bishop  of  Raphoe,  and  with  the 
imprimatur  of  the  Archbishop  of  Dublin.  Boards, 
IS.  6d.  net ;  cloth,  is.  gd.  ;  leather,  2s.  6d.  and  3s. 

"  Mr.  Ward  is  very  well  known  as  one  of  the  most  accomplished 
Gaelic  scholars  in  the  Northern  province,  and  this  little  book  of 
his  which  bears  evidence  of  careful  scholarship  is  certain  of  a  hearty 
welcome." — Derry  People. 

"  This  splendid  volume  reflects  the  highest  credit  on  all  con- 
cerned in  its  issue." — Irish  Ecclesiastical  Record. 

SeAHC-LeAtiniAlll  CttfOrC*  The  Imitation  of 
Christ.  Translated  into  Irish  by  the  Rev.  P. 
WALSHE,  CM.  Cloth,  net,  3s. 


58        BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED. 


Musical  Publications. 


St.     Patrick's     Hymn     Book.       New     and 

Revised  Edition.  Edited  by  the  Rev.  E. 
GAYNOR,  CM.  (i.)  Hymns  only.  Imperial 
32mo,  i6o  pp.,  limp  cloth,  4d.  post  free. 
(2.)  Hymns  with  Tunes.  Full  vocal  score  (Tonic 
Sol-fa).  Crown  8vo,  184  pp.,  cloth,  is.  6d.  net ;  by 
post,  IS.  gd.  (3.)  Organ  Score.  Tunes  in  Staff  nota- 
tion. Imperial  8vo,  108  pp.,  4s.  net ;  by  post,  4s.  5d. 
(4.)  Hymn  Cards,  for  use  in  Schools,  Confraternities, 
&c.  Each  Card  contains  One  Hymn  from  St.  Patrick's 
Hymn  Book,  with  Melody  (Tonic  Sol-fa)  and  Words. 
In  packets  of  25  of  one  kind.  Per  packet,  6d.  post 
free.  (5.)  Selected  Hymns,  Being  a  Selection  of 
Hymns  (Words  only)  from  St.  Patrick's  Hymn  Book. 
32mo,  64  pp.,  wrapper,  id.  ;  by  post,  lid. 

Examined  and  approved  by  the  Dublin  Diocesan  Commission  for 
Ecclesiastical  Music.  Published  with  the  Imprimatur  of  the  Arch- 
bishop of  Dublin. 

"  We  sincerely  wish  St.  Patrick's  Hymn  Book  a  long  and  pros- 
perous reign.  It  is  a  highly  serviceable  publication  and  deserves 
a  good  reception.  Both  scores  have  been  edited  with  evident  care 
as  to  the  minutest  detail,  and  the  Tonic  Sol-fa  volume  is  a  model 
of  neatness  and  elegance." — Month. 

"  A  new  hymn  book  is  always  welcome,  and  specially  so  when 
upwards  of  forty  new  tunes  have  been  added  to  it.  .  .  .  The  author 
has  quite  scored  a  success  in  his  musical  production.  We  wish  the 
work  every  success." — Dublin  Review. 

"jToo  much  can  scarcely  be  written  in  praise.  .  .  .  We  feel  that 
we  only  discharge  an  obvious  duty  in  calling  our  readers'  attention 
to  books  which  are  of  a  kind  well  calculated  to  render  real  service 
to  all  who  desire  to  see  Catholic  hymnology  raised  to  a  high  level 
in    this   and   other   Enghsh-speaking   couniries." — Irish   Catholic. 


BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED.        59 


"  An  excellent  and  important  work." — Irish  Monthly. 

"  Amongst  the  hymns  we  notice  many  beautiful  ones  which 
are  quite  new  to  us.  We  are  glad  to  see  that  some  of  the  most 
attractive  of  these  stand  over  the  names  of  two  Irish  poets- 
Father  M.  Russell,  S.J.,  and  Sister  Mary  Alphonsus,  better  known 
to  fame  as  'Mary  of  the  Nation.'  With  these  and  m  friendly 
rivalry  for  first  place,  must  be  mentioned  two  converts — Robert 
Campbell,  whose  translations  of  liturgical  hymns  are  the  finest 
we  have  seen  ;  and  Matthew  Bridges,  whose  glowing  verses  breathe 
the  very  soul  of  poetic  prayer.  Turning  to  the  music  we  find  still 
more  noticeable  improvements.  We  have  only  to  look  down  the 
hst  of  composers'  names  to  see  that  the  Editor  has  gone  to  the 
right  source— the  masters  of  the  art.  Yet  these  beautiful  tunes 
are  essentially  simple  in  structure,  easily  learned,  and  admirably 
suited  for  united  singing." ^College  Chronicle  (Dublin). 

"  In  the  first  place  we  wish  to  express  our  joy  at  the  appearance 
of  this  book.  Some  standard  work  was  needed  to  effectually 
promote  the  practice  of  congregational  singing  in  this  country. 
Now  we  have  such  a  work,  and  whoever  is  anxious  to  labour  in 
the  direction  indicated,  has  a  firm  basis  to  work  on.  .  .  .  Father 
Gaynor's  book  is  a  decided  advance  onlformer  publications  of  the 
kind,  and  above  all,  of  a  practical  character  that  makes  it  suitable 
for  general  introduction  in  the  country.  ...  It  has  been  introduced 
in  our  Catholic  Training  Colleges  [for  teachers  under  the  National 
Education  Board],  in  St.  Patrick's  College,  Maynooth,  and  a 
number  of  Diocesan  Colleges.  The  future  priests  and  teachers, 
therefore,  will  be  familiar  to  its  use  and  be  sure  to  favour  its  in- 
troduction into  the  parishes.  We  only  wish  that  it  may  become 
generally  known  rather  sooner  than  later." — Rev.  H.  Bewerunge, 
in  Lyra  Ecclesiastica. 

"  Ther  Editor's  task  in  selection  is  excellent.  Here  we  find  the 
best  tunes  of  Dykes,  Gauntlett,  Henry  Smart,  W.  H.  Monk,  &c., 
while  Dr.  Mann  and  others  have  composed  specially  for  the  work- 
There  are  also  plenty  of  '  tuney  '  tunes  ;  several  tunes  are  in  six- 
four  time,  and  altogether  there  is  much  concession  to  the  popular 
ear,  without  vulgarity." — Musical  Herald  (Non-Catholic). 

"  The  members  of  the  congregation,  the  conductor,  and  the 
organist,  have  here  to  their  hand  in  the  most  convenient  form  the 
best  collection  of  Catholic  hymns,  both  as  regards  words  and  music 
that  has  as  yet  been  brought  within  their  reach.  .  .  .  The  duty  of 
priests  and  managers  of  schools  is  clear.  If  they  want  singing  in 
their  churches  and  their  schools  let  them  provide  themselves  with 
St.  Patrick's  Hymn  Book." — Irish  Ecclesiastical  Record. 


6o         BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED. 


Tonic    Sol  fa   Music  for  Catholic   Choirs, 


Edited  by  JOSEPH  SEYMOUR,  Mus.B. 

No.  I.  Mass  in  Honour  of  St.  Brigid,  for  two  equal  or 
unequal  voices  :  Sopranos  and  Altos  or  Tenors  and 
Basses.  Composed  by  Joseph  Seymour,  Mus.B. 
4d.  net.  Organ  Score  (easy)  in  Staff  Notation,    is.  net. 

No.  2.  Benediction  Service  for  three  Equal  Voices.  By 
Joseph  Seymour,  Mus.B.  Net  ijd.  In  Staff  Nota- 
tion,  with  Organ  Accompaniment,  2^d.  (Thismay  be 
also  sung  by  four  mixed  voices  from  the  Organ  part.) 

No.  3.  •'  Ave  Maria,"  Arcadelt,  and  "  Panis  Angelicus," 
Baini.     i|d.  net. 


Church  Music  Series. 


No.  I.  Gregorian  Mass  (Missa  de  Angelis),  with  "  Pange 
Lingua"  and  Litany  of  the  Saints  for  Forty  Hours' 
Adoration,  in  Staff  and  Sol-fa  Notation,     id.  net. 

No.  2.  The  School  Children's  Church  Hymn  Book,  in 
Tonic  Sol-fa  Notation.  With  Gregorian  Benediction 
Service,  also  in  Staff  Notation,     id.  net. 

No.  3.  Plain  Chant  Mass  for  the  Dead,  with  "  Libera," 
"  In  Paradisum,"  "  Ego  Sum,"  and  "  Benedictus," 
in  Gregorian  and  Tonic  Sol-fa  Notations.      2d.  net. 


BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED.        6i 


"  Musical  Monthly  ''  Series. 

SACRED  SERIES. 

Edited  by  the  Rev.  H.  BEWERUNGE. 

No.  I.  Two  Chants  for  Holy  Week : — "  Christus  Factus 
Est,"  by  H.  B.  ;  "  Stabat  Mater,"  Harmonized  by 
H.  B.,  for  two,  three,  and  four  equal  voices.     2|d. 

No.  2.  Gregorian  Proper  of  Mass  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament. 

Tonic  Sol-fa  and  Staff  Notations.     2jd. 

No.  3.  Gregorian  Proper  of  Votive  Mass  of  the  Peace. 

Tonic  Sol-fa  and  Staff  Notations.     2^d 

No.  4.  Four  Hymns  in  Irish,  bearing  imprimatur  of  His 
Grace  Most  Rev.  Dr.  Walsh,  Archbishop  of  Dublin. 
TTIotAt)  biAig-oe  ■nAoiiicA,  *06cAf  linn  nAoni 
Patdiaaic,  tniii]Ae  lIlojA,  A  bAinjAiogAn  nA  bp^AiceAf, 
with  accompaniment.     2^d. 

No.  5.  Same,  in  Tonic  Sol-fa  Notation,     id. 

No.  6.  Two  Hymns  to  St.  Brigid  :  "  O  Glorious  Brigid  !  " 
"  With  all  Kildara's  Holy  Ones  ;  "  set  to  music  by 
the  Rev.  H.  Bewerunge.     i^d. 

No.  7.  Same  in  Tonic  Sol-fa  Notation.     id» 

No.  8.  Motet — 0     Quam     Gloriosum     est    Regnum,    by 

VlTTORIA.      2jd. 

No.  9.  Ave  Maria,  for  four  voices  (S.A.T.B.),  with  Accom- 
paniment, by  J.  J,  Gleeson.     a  simple  setting.     2id. 


62        BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED. 


"  Musical  Monthly  "  Series — continued. 

No.  10.  Panis  Angelicus,  for  four  voices  (S.A.T.B.),  w-ith 
Accompaniment,  by  J.  J.  Gleeson.     2jd. 

No.  II.  Missa  in  Simplicibus.  From  the  Solesmes  Gradual. 
Arranged  by  A.  K.  B.  B.     Tonic  Sol-fa.     2id. 

No.  12.  Tantum  Ergo  and  0  Salutaris,  for  three  mixed 
voices  (S.A.B.),  with  Accompaniment,  by  J.  J. 
Gleeson.    2^d. 

Catechisms. 

Catechism  of  Scriptural  and  Ecclesiasti- 
cal History.  8o  pp.,  3d. ;  fifty  copies  or  more  at  half 
price  net.  Recommended  by  His  Grace  the  Arch- 
bishop of  Melbourne  for  use  in  the  Catholic  Schools 
of   Victoria 

The  Catechism  is  divided  into  Three  Sections  and  Thirty 
Chapters.  Section  I. — "  Sacred  History  from  the  Creation  to 
the  Schism  of  Samaria."  Section  II. — "  From  the  Schism  of 
Samaria  to  Constantine."  Section  III. — "  From  Constan- 
tine  to  the  present  time."  The  book  contains  also  a  list  of 
the  Roman  Pontiffs,  with  date  of  accession  ;  Notes  on  the 
(Ecumenical  Councils  ;  and  an  Act  of  Reparation  for  the 
crimes  occasioned  by  Drink. 

Abridgment  of  Christian  Doctrine.     By  the 

Most  Rev.  Dr.  GAFFNEY,  Lord  Bishop  of  Meath.    id. 

Instructions  and  Devotions  for  Confes- 
sion for  Young  People.     Jd,     Per  100,  3s.  4d. 


BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED.       63 


Miscellaneous. 
The  University  Question :  The    Catholic    Case. 

Selections  from  the  Speeches  and  Writings  of  His  Grace 
the  Most  Rev.  W.  J.  WALSH,  D.D.,  Archbishop  of 
Dublin,  with  a  Historical  Sketch  of  the  Irish  Uni- 
versity Question.  Demy  8vo,  520  and  xxxii.  pp., 
cloth,  6s. 

"We  may  say. at  once  that  it  is  the  most  comprehensive  and 
detailed,  along  with  being  the  most  concise  and  clear,  exposition 
of  the  Catholic  case  in  its  recent  stages  which  it  would  be  possible 
for  any  one  to  make.  .  .  it  ought  to  be  in  the  hands  of  all  desiring 
an  armoury  of  arguments  for  Catholic  rights." — Freeman's  Journal. 

Statement    of    the    Chief    Grievances    of 

Irish  Catholics,  in  the  Matter  of  Education, 
Primary,  Intermediate,  and  University  [i8go].  By 
His   Grace    the  Most    Rev.    W.     J.    WALSH,  D.D., 

Archbishop  of  Dublin.  Demy  8vo,  421  and  xvi.  pp., 
boards,  is.  6d. 

Trinity   College    and    the    University    of 

Dublin.  By  the  Archbishop  of  Dublin,  with  Intro- 
duction and  Appendices,  Demy  Svo,  120  and  xvi. 
pp.,  6d. 

Maynooth  and  the   University   Question. 

Evidence  before  the  Royal  Commission,  with  an  In- 
troduction by  the  Most  Rev.  Dr.  O'DEA,  Bishop  of 
Clonfert.     Demy  Svo,  112  and  xxxii.  pp.,  6d.  net. 


64        BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED. 

Another  China.  Notes  on  the  Celestial  Empire  as 
viewed  by  a  Catholic  Bishop.  By  the  Right  Rev. 
Mgr.  REYNAUD,  CM.,  Vicar-ApostoHc  of  the  district 
of  Tche-tiang.  With  Illustrations.  Edited  by  M.  T. 
Kelly.     Crown  8vo,  io6  pp.,  cloth,  is.  6d. 

"  The  writers  are  both  of  opinion  that  in  the  view  of  China  and 
the  Chinese  which  prevails  in  these  countries,  justice  has  not  hither- 
to been  done  to  these  strange  people  ;  the  account  of  the  Catholic 
Missions  is  interesting  and  will  probably  strike  many  readers  as 
something  of  a  revelation.  The  Chinese,  Mgr.  Reynaud  reminds 
his  readers,  have  not  had  eighteen  centuries  of  Christianity  to 
civilize  them,  but  with  all  their  errors  and  vices  they  have  not 
fallen  as  low  as  other  nations." — London  and  China  Telegraph. 

The  New  Materialism :  Some  Vagaries  of 
Modern  Thought.     By  the  Rev.   E.   GAYNOR,    CM. 

Crown  8vo,  is.  6d. 

Contents  : — What    is    Materialism  ? — What    is    Matter  ? 
— Origin  of  Maltter — Matter  and  Force — Definitions — Life — 
What  is  Life  ? — Protoplasm — Origin   of  Life — A   Babel   of 
Theories — The  '  Ether  '  and  Life — A  necessity  of  Thought 
— Creation — An  Agnostic  Genesis. 
"  The   writer   fixes     his   own    limits,    and   within    those    limits 
he   is  very   likely    unequalled,  and    he    is   certainly  unsurpassed. 
The    reader    may    accept    our    assurance    that    there    is    nothing 
dull  or  tedious  in  these  pages,  but  the  whole  is  illuminated  by  a 
power  of  humour,  of  scathing  satire,  of  lucid  and  terse  expression, 
which  belongs  to  the  nationality  of  the  writer,  and  retains  unfail- 
ingly our  interest  and  attention  to  the  end.     It  is  a  very  superior 
work  indeed,  and  may  favourably  compare  with  the  best  for  some 
years  by  Catholic  pens  in  this  country.   — St.  Peter's. 

Songs    of    Sion.      By  Sister    MARY    STANISLAUS 
MAC  CARTHY,  O.S.D.,  Sion  Hill  Convent,  Blackrock. 
Fcap.  4to,  i6o  and  viii.  pp.,  white  buckram  or  art 
vellum,  extra  gilt  top,  5s.  net. 

"  This  artistically  bound  book  of  poems  by  Sister  Mary  Stanislaus, 
the  daughter  of  Denis  Florence  MacCarthy,  shows  poetic  power  of 
a  high  order.  The  lines  '  On  Cardinal  Newman's  Eightieth  Birth- 
day,' and  'St.  Augustine  and  St.  Monica  at  Oetia,'  are  full  of  feeling." 
— Ave  Maria. 


BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED.       65 


"  They  make  a  pleasant  volume  for  a  gift-book." — Month. 

"  The  book  forms  a  fitting  memorial  of  a  beautiful  life."— 
Catholic  Book  Notes. 

"  This  is  externally  the  handsomest  volume  that  Dublin  has 
produced  for  many  a  day.  The  ample  page,  the  fine  typography, 
the  artistic  binding,  and  the  beautiful  iUustrations  give  it  the 
appearance  of  an  edition  de  luxe,  so  that,  while  holy  enough  to  be 
read  in  a  conventfchapel,  it  is  dainty  enough  to  be  laid  on  a  drawing 
room  table.  It  is  fully  worthy  of  the  daughter  of  Denis  Florence 
MacCarthy." — Irish  Monthly. 

"  The  book  reveals  the  thoughts  of  a  high-souled,  unselfish  life. 
Sister  Mary  Stanislaus  might  have  made  a  name  in  literature 
almost  equally  great  as  that  of  her  distinguished  father,  but  if  she 
chose  the  humbler  part  she  will  at  least  share  his  fame." — Irish 
Times. 

Alleluia  :  An  Easter  Booklet.  By  the  Rev.  T.  J. 
O'MAHONY,  D.D.,  D.C.L.,  All  Hallows  College, 
Dublin.     Crown  8vo,  6d. 

"  Dr.  O'Mahony  brings  to  his  task  a  wealth  of  learning  and  re- 
search."— New  Zealand  Tablet. 


Lina.  An  Italian  Lily.  Translated  from  the  French  of 
Mrs.  Craven,  by  the  Hon.  FREDERIC  A  SPRING- 
RICE.     Demy  i6mo,  cloth,  price,  is.  6d. 

Our  Duties  to  our  Neighbour.    By  a  Northern 

Priest.     Crown  8vo,  6d. 

Encyclical    Letters    of     our    Most     Holy 

Father  Pius   X.       Authorized   English   Translations. 
Demy  8vo,  id.  each. 

Upon  Accession  to  the  Pontificate. 

On  the  Jubilee  of  the  Immaculate  Conception. 

De   Christiana  Doctrina  Tradenda. 


66         BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED. 

Encyclical  Letters  of   our  late  Most  Holy 

Father  Pope  Leo  XIII.     Authorized    English  Trans- 
lations.    Demy  8vo,  id.  each. 


On  Devotion  to  St.  Joseph,  with 
Indulgenced  Prayer  to  St. 
Joseph. 

On  the  Chief  Duties  of  Christian 
Citizens. 

On  the  Condition  of  Labour. 

On  the  Rosary  of  Mary,  1892. 

On  the  Rosary  of  Mary,  1893. 

On  the  Study  of  Sacred  Scripture 

On  the  Rosary  of  Mary,  1894. 

On  the  Rosary  of  Mary,  1895. 

On  the  Unity  of  the  Church. 


On  the  Rosary  of  Mary,  1897. 
On  the  Rosary  of  Mary,  1898. 

On  the  Consecration  of  Mankind 
to  the  Sacred  Heart. 

Regulations  for  the  Holy  Year 
decreed  by  our  Most  Holy 
Father  Pope  Leo  XIII.  ;  De- 
cree "  Urbis  et  Orbis." 

On  Jesus  Christ  the  Redeemer. 

On  Christian  and  Social  Demo- 
cracy. 

"  The  Testament  of  the  Pope." 


Maynooth  College :  its  Centenary  History,  1795- 
1895.  With  numerous  Illustrations  from  Drawings 
and  Photographs.  By  His  Grace  the  Miost  Rev. 
JOHN  HEALY,  D.D.,  LL.D.,  M.R.I.A.  Large  4to,  798 
pp.,  superbly  bound  half  Roxburgh,  gilt  top,  20s. 
net. 

"  This  magnificent  volume,  beautifully  printed  and  profusely 
illustrated  with  views,  portraits,  and  interestmg  plans  and  sketches, 
forms  a  worthy  and  fitting  Souvenir  of  the  Centenary  of  St.  Patrick's 
College,  Maynooth.  The  work  is  sure  to  be  highly  appreciated  by 
all  who  have  been  in  any  way  connected  with  the  College  ;  but 
even  those  who  have  never  set  foot  within  its  walls,  and  who  have  no 
connection  with  Ireland  or  the  Irish  race,  will  find  much  to  entertain 
and  to  interest  them  in  its  beautifully  printed  pages." — Tablet. 


Maynooth  Centenary  Record,    a  Record  of  the 

Centenary  Celebrations  held  in  Maynooth  College, 
June,  1895.  Large  quarto,  248  and  viii.  pp.,  cloth 
gilt  bevelled  boards,  8s.  6d.  ;   paper,  7s.  6d. 


BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED.       67 

Maynooth  College  :  a  Centenary  Album  of  Views 
and  Portraits.  Quarto,  174  pictures  in  art  wrapper, 
2s. ;   cloth,  extra,  gilt  and  bevelled,  gilt  edges,  5s. 

"  A  very  beautiful  souvenir  for  all  interested  in  the  famous 
Irish  College.  The  views  and  portraits  are  the  best  of  their  kind, 
are  clearly  printed  on  stout  paper,  and  form  altogether  one  of  ^the 
very  finest  photographic  albums  that  have  come  before  us." — 
Publisher's  Circular. 

"  The  chief  departments  of  the  College  are  represented,  and 
a  number  of  portraits  are  given  of  distinguished  clergy  and  laity, 
whose  names  are  associated  with  the  great  seminary  from  its 
foundation  to  the  present  day.  There  are  in  all  nearly  200 
illustrations,  accompanied  by  appropriate  letterpress.  The  work 
is  magnificently  printed  on  fine  toned  paper  and  is  a  credit  to 
Irish  artistic  work." — Sunday  World. 


Memoir  of   the  Venerable  Oliver  Plunket, 

Archbishop  of  Armagh  and  Primate  of  All  Ireland, 
who  suffered  death  for  the  Catholic  Faith,  in  the 
year  1681.  By  His  Eminence  Cardinal  MORAN. 
Crown  8vo,  458  and  xii.  pp.,  cloth  extra,  6s. 

Stuart's    History   of   Armagh.      Revised  and 

Enlarged  by  the  Rev.  AMBROSE  COLEMAN,  O.P., 
S.T.L.,  M.R.I.  A.  Royal  4to,  463  andxxiv.  pp.^ 
IDS.  6d.  net. 

"  Rome  is  not  more  closely  associated  with  history  of  the  Church 
Universal  than  the  annals  of  Armagh  with  the  Ufe  of  the  Catholic 
Faith  in  Ireland.  Founded  by  St.  Patrick  in  the  fifth  century,  the 
city  has  remained  the  Primatial  See  ever  since  ;  its  chronicles 
therefore  can  scarcely  fail  to  be  of  deep  interest  to  the  Catholic 
reader." — Weekly  Register. 

"  A  perfect  mine  of  historical  and  ecclesiastical  loreof  deep  interest, 
and  quite  invaluable  to  students  of  Irish  history." — Catholic  Herald. 


68       BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED 


Manual  of  Church  History.    By  the  late  Rev. 

T.  GILMARTIN,  Professor  of  Ecclesiastical  History, 
St.  Patrick's  College,  Maynooth.  Demy  8vo,  Vol.  I., 
578  and  xvi.  pp.,  cloth,  8s.  6d.;  Vol.  II.,  440  and  viii. 
pp.,  cloth,  7s.  6d.  ;  Vol.  III.  in  preparation. 

Church  History  of  Ireland.  From  the  Anglo- 
Norman  Invasion  to  the  Reformation.  With  Suc- 
cession of  Bishops  down  to  the  Present  Day.  By  Very 
Rev.  SYLVESTER  MALONE,  P.P.,  V.G.,  M.R.I.A., 
F.S.A.     Two  Vols.     los. 

"  Nowhere  is  the  Catholic  view  better  presented  than  in  the 
pages  of  Father  Malone  .  .  .  treasuring  up  the  beautiful  rites  and 
devotions,  admirably  described  in  these  volumes,  which  contain 
a  singularly  full  and  interesting  Appendix.  It  is  a  work  of  great 
research,  written  in  a  style  always  clear  and  precise,  and  not  un- 
frequently  rising  into  grave  and  subdued  eloquence." — Irish 
Ecclesiastical  Record. 

"  It  is  a  Church  History  in  a  true  sense.  His  task  of  exhibiting 
the  older  usage  and  disciplinary  rites  from  the  history  of  the  Irish 
Church  is  very  excellently  performed.  His  constant  use  of  all  the 
original  sources,  and  his  copious  notes  and  references  thereto, 
make  his  volumes  a  most  valuable  and  permanent  repertory  of 
sure  information.  An  excellent  collection  of  documents  forms 
the  Appendices." — Dublin  Review. 


History  of  the  Church.      An  Abridgment,  for  the 

Use  of  Schools.     Compiled  from  various  sources  by 

a  Member  of  the  Ursuline  Community,  Sligo.   Second 

Edition.     148  and  iv.  pp.,  hmp  cloth,  8d.  net. 

"  We  offer  a  hearty  welcome  to  this  Abridgment  of  the  History 
of  the  Church.  We  heartily  congratulate  the  compiler  for  having 
so  successfully  filled  a  void  in  our  religious  literature." — Irish 
Ecclesiastical  Record. 


BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED.        69 
Pope    Adrian    IV.,   a    Friend     of    Ireland. 

From     the     Analecta    Juris     Fontificii.     Translated 
from   the   French   by   the   Rev.    W.    McLOUGHLIN, 

Mount  Melleray  Abbey,     Crown  8vo,  225  and  xxxii. 
pp.,  cloth,  3s.  6d.  net. 

The  Birthplace  of  St.  Patricia.     By  the  Very 

Rev.  SYLVESTER    MALONE,  P.P.,    V.G.,  M.R.I.A., 
F.S.A.     i6mo,  168  pp.,  cloth,  2s. 

"  A  contribution  displaying  a  great  deal  of  originality  as  well 
as  research.  Indeed  this  is  a  subject  with  which  Father  Malone 
is  peculiarly  qualified  to  deal.  An  able  and  learned  writer,  with 
a  vast  fund  of  historical  lore  at  command,  he  is  gifted  with  keen 
analytical  power,  and  like  a  true-born  Irishman  loves  fair  fight. 
Father  Malone's  work  will  have  many  readers,  all  of  whom  will 
recognise  the  great  skill  and  industry  he  evinces." — Catholic  Times. 

The    Birthplace    of    St.    Patrick,    Apostle  of 
Ireland.       By    the    Very    Rev.   E.   O'BRIEN,  D.D., 

Vicar-General,  Diocese  of  Derry.    Demy  Svo,  98  pp., 

cloth,  IS.  6d. 

"  Must  arrest  serious  attention  as  a  well  considered  attempt  to 
settle  the  dispute  on  scientific  principles.  The  learned  author 
discusses  the  question  in  its  threefold  aspect — historical,  geo- 
graphical, and  philological  ;  and  with  logical  force  he  maintains 
his  position  under  each  of  these  heads." — Freeman's  Journal. 

"  This  is  a  remarkable  little  volume,  full  of  learning  and  the 
knowledge  of  books  with  which  we  are  unfamiliar." — Irish  Times. 


St.  Colman  MacDuagh.  Type  of  the  Irish 
Monk.  By  the  Very  Rev.  M.  O'CALLAGHAN,  CM. 
Crown  32nio,  2d. 


70        BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED. 

Whither  Qoest  Thou  ?  Or,  was  Father  Mathew 
Right  ?  Notes  on  Intemperance,  Scientific  and 
Moral.  By  the  Rev.  J.  C.  MacERLAIN.  Crown  8vo, 
100  pp.,  cl.  3s.  6d.  Popular  Edition,  6d.  Paper 
boards,  is.  net. 

Occasional    Papers.     By  His  Eminence  Cardinal 

MOHAN,  Archbishop  of  Sydney.  Crown  8vo,  206  pp., 

cloth,  2S. ;  wrapper,  is. 

I.    The  Church  and  Social   Progress.     2.    The  Emperor 
JuUan   the  Apostate.     3.  The    Destiny    of    Christian    Rome. 

4.  The  Civilization    of    Ireland    before  the  Norman  Conquest. 

5.  Joan  of  Arc.  6.  The  St.  Bartholomew  Massacre. 
7.  Catholics  and  Irishmen.  8.  Religion  in  Education, 
9.  Ireland  and  Australia.        10.  The  Fruits  of  Self-culture. 

"...  Eloquent  and  learned  essays.  .  .  We  may  say,  without 
exaggeration,  that  we  have  read  few  essays  anywhere  that  sur- 
pass in  attractiveness  of  style  some  of  the  discourses  in  this  volume, 
while,  for  wide  and  varied  historical  lore.  Cardinal  Moran's  name  is 
n  itself  a  guarantee." — Dublin  Review. 

"  The  last  product  of  a  rich  and  gifted  mind.  .  .  It  is  difficult  to 
resist  the  temptation  to  quote  from  this  volume,  which  is  full  of 
passages  as  suggestive  as  they  are  brilliant." — Catholic  Times. 

Bertha  De  Mornay,  sister  of  charity.  Her  Life  and 
Writings.  With  Preface  by  Natalis  De  Wailly, 
Member  of  the  French  Institute.  Translated  from 
the  French  by  the  Rev.  THOS.  MacNAMARA,  CM. 

Fcap.  8vo,  cloth  gilt,  33.  6d. 

The  Angel  of  Mercy,  a  Panegyric  of  Mother  M. 
Catherine  M'Auley,  Foundress  of  the  Order  of  Mercy, 
By     the    Very     Rev.      WILLIAM      HUTCH.     D.D. 

Demy  8vo,   cloth,  is. 


BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED.         71 


Pius    X.    and    the    Apostolic     Union     of 

Secular   Priests.     By    the    Rev.    JAMES    BUSHER, 

M.S.S.     Demy  8vo,  id. 

The    Vatican    Edition     of     Plain     Chant. 

A  Critical  Study  by  the  Rev.  H.  BEWERUNGE,  May- 
nooth  College.     Demy  8vo,  3d. 

The  Dawn   of  the   Century.  By  the  Very  Rev. 

p.  A,  Canon  SHEEHAN,  D.D.,  Author  of  "  Under  the 
Cedars  and  the  Stars,"  "  My  New  Curate,"  &c.  Demy 
8vo,  32  pp.,  2d. 

The  Cistercian  Order.    Historical  Sketches,  trans- 
lated  from   the   German   of   Dr.  L.  JANAUSCHECK, 

Cisterican  Monk  in  the  Convent  of  Zwettl,  Lower 
Austria  ;  Emeritus  Professor  of  Theology,  is. 

This  is  a  short  history  of  the  foundation  and  growth  of  the 
Cistercian  Order,  and  of  its  various  branches.  The  state  of 
the  entire  Order  is  given,  and  its  members  who  have  been 
famous  for  piety  and  learning,  the  monasteries  that  liave 
been  renowned  as  educational  or  religious  centres,  or  for 
their  architecture,  and  the  principal  literary  works  of  Cis- 
tercians (including  the  bibliography  of  the  Order),  are 
enumerated. 

The  Irish  Ecclesiastical   Record,    a  Monthly 

Journal,  patronized  by  the  Archbishops,  Bishops, 
and  Clergy  of  Ireland,  Great  Britain,  United 
States,    Canada,     AustraUa,    New    Zealand,    India, 


72        BROWNE  &  NOLAN,  LIMITED. 


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